Faisal Al Ketbi's hopes of finally winning a gold medal at the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship were denied in agonising circumstances on Friday.
The 31-year-old Emirati lost out on the referee’s call after a 2-2 deadlock on point to Brazilian Rudson Mateus Teles in the 85-kilogram final at the Mubadala Arena.
Al Ketbi called for a video referral at the end of the fight but the three judges were unanimous on their decision to award the gold to Teles.
Al Ketbi had to settle for silver for the third successive year, and naturally disappointed, he fell on his knees before picking himself up and walking away from the mat without any comment.
Meanwhile, Yahia Mansoor Al Hammadi, the second Emirati to feature in the black belt finals, also had to settle for a silver after beaten into submission by Joao Rocha in the 110kg weight.
The Brazilians won 11 of the 12 golds in the brown/black belt divisions that was up for grabs on the final day of the week-long championship.
Brazilians Gabriel De Sousa and Gabrieli Passanha were crowned the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s World Champions after both of them struck gold in the weight divisions.
De Sousa defeated compatriot Joao Miyao in the 62kg final.
“I have been in the black belt for less than one year and I can’t imagine being the world champion,” said De Sousa.
“I tried a lot of times in the other divisions but I didn’t get it and then I get in in my first attempt in the black belt. It’s incredible. The world title is just sinking on me and I’ll be there to defend it next year.”
Passanha who competes as a brown belt added: “It’s been an amazing season for me. This is my first World Pro and I came well prepared.
“I’m super happy to be the World No 1 and to compete for the first time in the World Pro and win gold is also special.
“Next for me is the Brazilian National Championship and that’s important to me. I want to just keep performing well and achieve the black belt next.”
