Faisal Al Ketbi’s first appearance in the Abu Dhabi World Masters did not end as well as it started, but the Emirati jiu-jitsu star can still take a lot of positives into the main event over the next two days.
Al Ketbi, 33, won his first contest over Russian Arsen Shapiev by points 3-1 but went down to eventual winner Adam Wardzinski of Poland by submission.
Returning to the mat for the third time via repachage, Al Ketbi went down narrowly to Brazilian Pablo Aragao to a referee’s decision after 3-3 deadlock at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena on Wednesday.
Wardzinski went on to claim gold in the Masters 1 black belt 94k category, defeating Aragao by points 1-0.
“A majority of the fighters were returning to competition after more than a year but we are just glad to be back,” Wardzinski said.
“We have prepared well knowing Abu Dhabi draws the best fighters from around the world but preparation alone is no substitute for the actual thing.
“Obviously very glad to win gold in the Masters and now looking forward for the main competition, and to take the momentum forward, hopefully.”
Al Ketbi, who returned to top flight action after more than a year, will now focus on the 12th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-JitsuChampionship on Thursday and Friday.
The Brazilians once again dominated the men’s black belt division, wining 19 out of the 24 gold medals that were up for grabs.
Honours were shared in the women’s category amongst Katiuscia Dias of Guinea-Bissau, Mongolian Buyandelger Battsogt, Eloisa Peres of Spain and Brazilian Anna Ardisson sharing the four golds that were on offer.
The final two days of the competition will witness high-octane action in the professional division. Top male and female jiu-jitsu stars will go toe-to-toe on the road to glory and a share of the Dh2.7million prize fund.
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Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
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Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
