It was yet another compelling +100kg final that had viewers on the edge of their seats following an outstanding clash between World Judo Masters winner Guram TUSHISHVILI (GEO) and former Grand Slam winner Javad MAHJOUB (IRI) in the Tbilisi Grand Prix seven days ago.

A week removed from the thriller in Tbilisi, MAHJOUB was back and with gold in mind after winning nine Grand Prix medals but never gold.

MAHJOUB (far left) on the podium a week ago in Tbilisi, Georgia

The story picks up when you learn that MAHJOUB missed the birth of his first child in mid-week as he was already in Antalya ready to compete for his country and to maintain his steady climb up the heavyweight rankings.

Javad’s baby girl Hilda MAHJOUB may be some distance away in Iran but he was thinking of her all day long while he was competing.

While MAHJOUB may look slightly under-sized for the category he moved up to in 2017, what he lacks in size he makes up for in heart and again left everything on the tatami with a lung-busting performance.

Junior world champion Inal TASOEV (RUS) did not read the script as he erased the headlines journalists had already penned and won his first IJF World Judo Tour crown in golden score to give a sublime finish to the competition when he threw with an o-goshi for ippon.

Both men deserve plaudits for their attacking efforts as they almost went throw-for-throw which made for an exhilarating gold medal contest. After his second Grand Prix silver medal in the space of a week, MAHJOUB let all of his emotions out after a tumultuous week.

MAHJOUB (white judogi) went down fighting in the +100kg final in Antalya

“It is difficult to put into words what I am feeling at the moment,” said MAHJOUB who earned two Grand Prix silver medals either side of the birth of his daughter.

“My body and spirit is here in Antalya but my heart is home with my baby girl who means the world to me.

“I knew that this may happen while I was away and I was prepared for it as my career is what lets me provide things for my family.

“Judo is my love and my family is my life. I am thankful for what I have received this week. I feel ok about the silver medal. It’s two in a week, I wish it could have been gold both times but I am making small steps in the heavyweight category.”

MAHJOUB on the podium today in Antalya

MAHJOUB feels that there is still a lot more to come from him and underlined his immediate plans as the IJF World Judo Tour takes a moments breath before the Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualification phase starts in May.

“I feel like I am getting stronger in this division but I know I can win and I am prepared to work harder to do it," said the 26-year-old.

“I feel like I need to do more power training at home in Iran and I will do everything I can to become a better judoka.”

Ten-time Grand Prix medallist MAHJOUB, who expects to return to action at the Hohhot Grand Prix in May, shared his post-event plans which revolve around his family rather than the tatami.

“I cannot wait to arrive home now and be reunited with my family and our new family member who looks adorable. I will then return to competition with renewed passion and will give my all on the judo mat for the ones I love. This is my passion and my family are my motivation. I hope I can give my best performance in Hohhot and can start my road to Tokyo 2020 with a Grand Prix win at last.”

FINAL RESULTS: WOMEN

-78kg: Kosovo have a new star on their hands asKUKA wins on Grand Prix debut

Kosovo have unearthed another gem on the IJF World Judo Tour as 21-year-old uchi-mata specialist Loriana KUKA (KOS) wasted no time in making her presence felt at the top level with a eye-catching victory at -78kg. Tbilisi Grand Prix silver medallist Anastasiya TURCHYN (UKR) opposed KUKA in the final and it was the Kosovo judoka who won their first clash with a buzzer-beating ouchi-gari. The top prize represented Kosovo’s first ever medal at this weight and made sure that the land Olympic champion Majlinda KELMENDI made famous finished the competition top of the medal table.

In the first semi-final KUKA threw world number 43 NIKIFOROVA (RUS) for ippon with an uchi-mata with 45 seconds left on the clock to guarantee one more medal for Kosovo. KUKA led with a waza-ari from a hip throw before ending the contest in fine fashion. In the second semi-final TURCHYN defeated u23 European Championships bronze medallist Alexandra GIMALETDINOVA (RUS) in added time. GIMALETDINOVA struck first with a waza-ari from a tani-otoshi before TURCHYN replied with an osoto-gari for a waza-ari score. In golden score the Ukrainian sealed a place in the final from a ouchi-gari which earned her second and match-winning waza-ari.

The first bronze medal contest was won by world bronze medallist Natalie POWELL (GBR) who defeated GIMALETDINOVA with a professional performance. World number three POWELL earned her 16th Grand Prix medal by a waza-ari score as GIMALETDINOVA offered little under an onslaught from the Welsh judoka. Only two judoka have won more Grand Prix medals than POWELL (Luise MALZAHN of Germany and Otgontsetseg GALBADRAKH of Kazakhstan) and the Irfon Judo Club product will be one of the favourites at the European Championships later this month.

The second bronze medal was won by NIKIFOROVA who went ahead against Agadir Grand Prix bronze medallist Yarden MAYERSOHN (ISR) with a waza-ari score from an osoto-makikomi. Russian NIKIFOROVA added her second and match-winning waza-ari with a sode-tsurikomi-goshi to capture her first IJF World Judo Tour hardware.

Final
TURCHYN, Anastasiya (UKR) vs KUKA, Loriana (KOS)

Bronze Medal Fights
GIMALETDINOVA, Alexandra (RUS) vs POWELL, Natalie (GBR) 
NIKIFOROVA, Niurguiana (RUS) vs MAYERSOHN, Yarden (ISR)

Final Results

1. KUKA, Loriana (KOS) 
2. TURCHYN, Anastasiya (UKR) 
3. POWELL, Natalie (GBR) 
3. NIKIFOROVA, Niurguiana (RUS) 
5. GIMALETDINOVA, Alexandra (RUS) 
5. MAYERSOHN, Yarden (ISR) 
7. RAIFOVA, Zarina (KAZ) 
7. KENYON, Omri (ISR)

+78kg: Unexpected gold for Turkey as AKBULUT beats the world number three

European u23 Championships bronze medallist Sebile AKBULUT (TUR) gave the hosts their second gold medal in as many days as she conquered Ekaterinburg Grand Slam winner Larisa CERIC (BIH). Turkey finished third in the medal table with an excellent haul of four medals (two gold, two bronze) as world number 138 AKBULUT, who finished fifth here a year ago, found a way past CERIC. AKBULUT beat CERIC for the first time with an ouchi-gari which scored a waza-ari and the home judoka held on for her first medal in IJF surroundings.

In the first semi-final CERIC defeated 20-year-old Agadir Grand Prix bronze medallist Anna GUSHCHINA (RUS) by ippon to take her expected place in the women’s heavyweight final. In the second semi-final AKBULUT profited from an error-strewn display by Tunis Grand Prix bronze medallist Galyna TARASOVA (UKR) who received three shidos and was disqualified.

The first bronze medal was awarded to TARASOVA who beat former Junior European Championships bronze medallist Iuliia LIANICHENKO (RUS) by ippon at the halfway point. LIANICHENKO had to settle for fifth-place on her first senior IJF start as Ukraine’s number three at +78kg TARASOVA won her second Grand Prix medal.

The second bronze medal was won by GUSHCHINA who outworked 18-year-old Junior Asian Championships winner Kamila BERLIKASH (KAZ). Russia won their second tilt at +78kg bronze thanks to GUSHCHINA who produced a waza-ari score with a ko-uchi-gari as the Kazakh finished a respectable fifth on her inaugural appearance on the IJF circuit.

Final
CERIC, Larisa (BIH) vs AKBULUT, Sebile (TUR)

Bronze Medal Fights
TARASOVA, Galyna (UKR) vs LIANICHENKO, Iuliia (RUS) 
GUSHCHINA, Anna (RUS) vs BERLIKASH, Kamila (KAZ)

Final Results

1. AKBULUT, Sebile (TUR) 
2. CERIC, Larisa (BIH) 
3. TARASOVA, Galyna (UKR) 
3. GUSHCHINA, Anna (RUS)
5. LIANICHENKO, Iuliia (RUS) 
5. BERLIKASH, Kamila (KAZ) 
7. TSAI, Jia Wen (TPE) 
7. ISSANOVA, Gulzhan (KAZ)

FINAL RESULTS: MEN

-90kg: Tajikistan’s top seed USTOPIRIYON earns Grand Prix hat-trick

Number one seed Komronshokh USTOPIRIYON (TJK) won his third Grand Prix gold medal after a tense battle with world champion Nemanja MAJDOV (SRB). MAJDOV had finished fifth on his return in March at the Agadir Grand Prix. The 21-year-old Serbian judoka wore his red backpatch for only the second time and failed to win what would have been his first Grand Prix title after being penalised for his third shido for pushing his opponent out of the area. USTOPIRIYON usually makes a strong start but tends to fade late on and as both were nervy it was the Serbian who made the costly mistake.

In the first semi-final USTOPIRIYON defeated Abu Dhabi Grand Slam bronze medallist Mammadali MEHDIYEV (AZE) who was disqualified after he was penalised with his third shido. In the second semi-final MAJDOV bested Cancun Grand Prix silver medallist Tural SAFGULIYEV (AZE) by ippon from a uchi-mata-sukashi with 71 seconds left in their contest.

The first bronze medal was won by SAFGULIYEV who earned his fourth Grand Prix medal by edging out 22-year-old Tbilisi Grand Prix bronze medallist Li KOCHMAN (ISR) by a waza-ari score as Azerbaijan claimed the first medal in the final block. A ko-uchi-gari was the best executed technique during the contest and that piece of ashi-waza sent the Azeri onto the medal podium.

The second bronze medal went to MEHDIYEV as Azerbaijan made it a clean sweep of -90kg bronze medals. MEHDIYEV won his fifth Grand Prix honour by catching Tbilisi Grand Prix winner Rafael MACEDO (BRA) with an ouchi-gari and changed direction to set his opponent off balance and over for ippon.

Final
MAJDOV, Nemanja (SRB) vs USTOPIRIYON, Komronshokh (TJK)

Bronze Medal Fights
SAFGULIYEV, Tural (AZE) vs KOCHMAN, Li (ISR) 
MEHDIYEV, Mammadali (AZE) vs MACEDO, Rafael (BRA)

Final Results

1. USTOPIRIYON, Komronshokh (TJK) 
2. MAJDOV, Nemanja (SRB) 
3. SAFGULIYEV, Tural (AZE) 
3. MEHDIYEV, Mammadali (AZE) 
5. KOCHMAN, Li (ISR) 
5. MACEDO, Rafael (BRA) 
7. BROWN, Colton (USA) 
7. GANTULGA, Altanbagana (MGL)

-100kg: Azeri starlet wins Junior World Championships final rematch

Junior World Championships winner Zelym KOTSOIEV (AZE) won a rematch of 2017 Junior Worlds final to become a two-time Grand Prix winner. The confident 19-year-old saw off Junior Worlds runner-up Arman ADAMIAN (RUS), 21, who was making his first start on the IJF World Judo Tour, while KOTSOIEV, 19, won the Ulaanbaatar Grand Prix in 2016. KOTSOIEV scored two waza-ari in a relatively one-sided final as the Azeri showed his superiority over his former junior rival and their intriguing series of contests may long continue on the senior stage.

In the first semi-final World Judo Masters bronze medallist CIRJENICS Miklos (HUN) lost out to ADAMIAN by ippon. The Hungarian went for a ko-soto-gake and the Russian took control to drive his opponent over for ippon. In the second semi-final KOTSOIEV moved forward when Ekaterinburg Grand Slam winner Niyaz ILYASOV (RUS) had to forfeit the contest when he sustained a leg injury.

The first bronze medal was won by two-time Grand Prix winner LKHAGVASUREN Otgonbaatar (MGL) as ILYASOV could not come out to contest the final due to an injury. The result was a much-needed boost for the Mongolian who had been without a medal since moving up to -100kg last year.

The second bronze medal went to world number 10 Benjamin FLETCHER (IRL) who caught CIRJENICS with a ko-uchi-gari with one second left. Düsseldorf Grand Slam silver medallist FLETCHER kept working until the end and got his reward as he won by ippon and will be seeded for the European Championships. A tani-otoshi from the Hungarian was countered by Ireland’s FLETCHER to win his second Grand Prix medal in 2018.

Final
KOTSOIEV, Zelym (AZE) vs ADAMIAN, Arman (RUS)

Bronze Medal Fights
ILYASOV, Niyaz (RUS) vs LKHAGVASUREN, Otgonbaatar (MGL) 
FLETCHER, Benjamin (IRL) vs CIRJENICS, Miklos (HUN)

Final Results

1. KOTSOIEV, Zelym (AZE) 
2. ADAMIAN, Arman (RUS) 
3. LKHAGVASUREN, Otgonbaatar (MGL) 
3. FLETCHER, Benjamin (IRL) 
5. ILYASOV, Niyaz (RUS) 
5. CIRJENICS, Miklos (HUN) 
7. ARMENTEROS, Jose (CUB) 
7. SAIDOV, Saidzhalol (TJK)

+100kg: Russian wonderkid TASOEV denies MAHJOUB storybook ending

Junior World Championships winner Inal TASOEV (RUS) went unbeaten on his first IJF World Judo Tour outing as he won all five of his contests by ippon for a stirring win in Antalya. TASOEV, 20, is arguably the most promising Russian heavyweight in years and on this performance could make his presence felt at the European Championships later this month. In the last contest of the Antalya Grand Prix 2018, TASOEV, 20, defeated Tbilisi Grand Prix silver medallist Javad MAHJOUB (IRI) in golden score after two minutes of added time with an o-goshi. MAHJOUB missed the birth of his first child earlier in the week in order to compete this weekend.

In the first semi-final world number 100 Jonas INOCENCIO (BRA) lost out to MAHJOUB by ippon from a seoi-nage. In the second semi-final TASOEV defeated Düsseldorf Grand Slam bronze medallist Bekbolot TOKTOGONOV (KGZ) with a modified kata-guruma for ippon.

The first bronze medal was won by world number 26 Andy GRANDA (CUB) who beat TOKTOGONOV by ippon from a thumping ouchi-gari. Cancun Grand Prix bronze medallist GRANDA, 26, had too much experience for TOKTOGONOV, 26, who first featured on the IJF World Judo Tour in February.

The second bronze medal went to Paris Grand Slam silver medallist KIM Sungmin (KOR) who launched INOCENCIO with an osoto-makikomi for ippon. KIM was a relieved winner as he won his country’s third medal in Antalya from a five-strong team.

Final
TASOEV, Inal (RUS) vs MAHJOUB, Javad (IRI)

Bronze Medal Fights
TOKTOGONOV, Bekbolot (KGZ) vs GRANDA, Andy (CUB) 
KIM, Sungmin (KOR) vs INOCENCIO, Jonas (BRA)

Final Results

1. TASOEV, Inal (RUS)
2. MAHJOUB, Javad (IRI)
3. GRANDA, Andy (CUB)
3. KIM, Sungmin (KOR)
5. TOKTOGONOV, Bekbolot (KGZ)
5. INOCENCIO, Jonas (BRA)
7. KRAKOVETSKII, Iurii (KGZ)
7. CULUM, Zarko (SRB)

Top seed Anna BERNHOLM (SWE) went unbeaten in the -70kg category while the seeded Tommy MACIAS (SWE) grabbed -73kg gold.

Former -63kg judoka BERNHOLM (below), 27, missed out on a spot at the 2016 Olympics as compatriot Mia HERMANSSON went who was eliminated in the first round.

The former knew that something had to change if she wanted to realise her ambitions in top-flight judo and a switch to the -70kg category in 2016 has not only reinvigorated her career but transformed it.

BERNHOLM won Grand Slam gold for the first time in her career last year and now has Grand Prix gold to add to her growing medal collection after another inspired display in the -70kg category.

Tommy MACIAS also missed out on Rio 2016 and has had a notable upturn in results since missing out on a spot at South America’s first Olympics.

World number six MACIAS (above), 25, has also improved his results but in the same category. The Stockholm native, like his teammate and fellow gold medallist, has also struck Grand Slam and Grand Prix gold since 2016.

Sweden prove time and time again that no matter the expectations and the size of a country, or a team, craft and desire – as well as world-class skills – can conquer any stage and opponent with no end of excitement.

Emotion and jubilation as Turkey hit the medal trail

Vedat ALBAYRAK (TUR) won his second Grand Prix gold for Turkey in the last two months with another commanding display in the -81kg category.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE EURONEWS FEATURE

Agadir Grand Prix winner ALBAYRAK made his debut for Turkey in January with silver at the Tunis Grand Prix and continued to make his presence felt on the IJF World Judo Tour today.

ALBAYRAK (blue judogi) wins his -81kg semi-final by ippon against GRIGALASHVILI (GEO)

ALBAYRAK, 24, who previously represented Greece, is now three for three, in terms of medals, at Grand Prix events in 2018 for Turkey with a short-lived outing at the Paris Grand Slam the only time he has missed the podium this year.

Turkish judo’s prolific medallist will be a major contender at the European Championships later this month and will be a judoka to keep tabs on during the road to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The hosts also had reason to celebrate in the women’s -63kg category when world number 46 Busra KATIPOGLU showed her grit to seal a place on the podium at home.

KATIPOGLU lost a mammoth semi-final after six minutes of golden score. Having spent 15 minutes on the tatami in total the Istanbul-based judoka regained her composure and put her emotions aside to come out in the final block with renewed determination.

The two-time Grand Slam bronze medallist stormed to victory in her bronze medal contest to the elation of the crowd and her parents who were matside. Rarely has a bronze medal meant so much to one judoka but for KATIPOGLU (centre - right) it meant the world as she could stand proud on the podium and see her flag raised in front of her compatriots and most importantly her mother and father.

Opening ceremony

Sezer HUYSUZ, Turkish Judo Federation President, made the opening address following a parade of the flags of the 50 competing nations.

Marius L. VIZER, IJF President and Sezer HUYSUZ, Turkish Judo Federation President

“Dear Governor, IJF President, dear national teams, judoka, officials, guests, I welcome you all to the Antalya Grand Prix 2018. Antalya is one of the most beautiful cities in Turkey and has a wonderful sporting tradition.

“Here watching the world and continental champions we are seeing judo of the highest level and we can enjoy a great competition. Once again I would like to thank the IJF President Marius L. VIZER and all the Turkish Judo Federation officials and thank you to all the supporters.”

Marius L. VIZER, IJF President, addressed the audience to conclude the opening ceremony.

“Dear President (Pat) HICKEY, dear President HUYSUZ, dear judoka, officials, it is a great pleasure to come back every year for the Grand Prix in Turkey. I want to congratulate the Turkish Judo Federation for the development of judo and promotion of our sport around the world as well as for their organisation of our elite Grand Prix events over the last few years.

“I wish you a successful competition and to enjoy Antalya, thank you.”

Watch the third and final day of #JudoAntalya2018 live at www.IJF.org

PROGRAMME

Sunday 8 April

Preliminary rounds - 10:30 (Three tatami)
Final block - 16:00 (One tatami)

Men: -90kg, -100kg, +100kg
Women: -78kg, +78kg

FINAL RESULTS: WOMEN

-63kg: World number 15 KRSSAKOVA makes ground on teammate with second Grand Prix gold medal

Tunis Grand Prix bronze medallist Magdalena KRSSAKOVA (AUT) made good on her top seed status as Austria’s number two in the -63kg weight category won her second Grand Prix title. World number five Kathrin UNTERWURZACHER (AUT) is Austria’s best-ranked judoka in the -63kg category and in her absence, KRSSAKOVA seized her opportunity to move up the rankings and close the gap to her teammate on the World Ranking List. World number 55 Valentina KOSTENKO (RUS) fell behind to a waza-ari from a uchi-mata-sukashi and world number 15 KRSSAKOVA countered her opponent for ippon with six seconds left on the clock. Both Austrian judoka will now be expected to receive the nod for the European Championships in April.

In the first semi-final KRSSAKOVA held down Zagreb Grand Prix bronze medallist Mia HERMANSSON (SWE) with a tate-shiho-gatame to drive into the -63kg final. In the second semi-final KOSTENKO defeated two-time Grand Slam bronze medallist Busra KATIPOGLU (TUR) with an uchi-mata for a waza-ari score in added time. It took six minutes and nine seconds of golden score to find a winner as the Russian produced the first and only score of the contest to conclude the first session of judo on day two.

The first bronze medal contest was won by KATIPOGLU who defeated Pan American Championships silver medallist Yanka PASCOALINO (BRA) for a momentous start to the final block for the hosts. KATIPOGLU won bronze at home in style with two waza-ari scores with the pick of the two being her opener from a sode-tsurikomi-goshi. The Turkish judoka jumped into the arms of her father after leaving the tatami and cried with tears of joy after a rollercoaster of a ride in recent years with injuries.

The second bronze medal was won by world number 146 Alexia CASTILHOS (BRA) who countered an uchi-mata from HERMANSSON to roll her opponent for a waza-ari. CASTILHOS won her first IJF World Judo Tour medal when her Swedish opponent repeated the same mistake and the Brazilian took full advantage for her second waza-ari score.

Final
KOSTENKO, Valentina (RUS) vs KRSSAKOVA, Magdalena (AUT)

Bronze Medal Fights
KATIPOGLU, Busra (TUR) vs PASCOALINO, Yanka (BRA)
CASTILHOS, Alexia (BRA) vs HERMANSSON, Mia (SWE)

Final Results

1. KRSSAKOVA, Magdalena (AUT) 
2. KOSTENKO, Valentina (RUS) 
3. KATIPOGLU, Busra (TUR) 
3. CASTILHOS, Alexia (BRA) 
5. PASCOALINO, Yanka (BRA) 
5. HERMANSSON, Mia (SWE)
7. BADUROVA, Kamila (RUS)
7. SHEMESH, Inbal (ISR)

-70kg: BERNHOLM wins first Grand Prix title at the 28th attempt

Perseverance paid off for World Judo Masters bronze medallist Anna BERNHOLM (SWE) who finally won her first Grand Prix gold medal after seven years on the circuit. BERNHOLM prevailed against former world number one Kelita ZUPANCIC (CAN) to win gold at the 28th attempt. ZUPANCIC submitted to a juji-gatame after two minutes of golden score as the Swede showed the world that she means business in the -70kg category and will be a force to be reckoned with next month at the European Championships.

In the first semi-final BERNHOLM defeated Tashkent Grand Prix bronze medallist GERCSAK Szabina (HUN) in golden score with a sumi-gaeshi for a waza-ari score. In the second semi-final ZUPANCIC dominated Tashkent Grand Prix winner Gulnoza MATNIYAZOVA (UZB) to win by ippon having led by a waza-ari score. The Canadian pinned down her rival with a sankaku-gatame after a lengthy ne-waza exchange to ensure a medal for her country;

The first bronze medal was awarded to 20-year-old Zagreb Grand Prix bronze medallist Michaela POLLERES (AUT) who bested MATNIYAZOVA. POLLERES threw her Uzbek rival with a ura-nage for a waza-ari score and followed up with osaekomi for 10 seconds and more silverware for Austria whose women’s program is among the best in Europe.

The second bronze medal was won by Olympic bronze medallist and Paris Grand Slam winner Sally CONWAY (GBR) who showed her character to come from behind to beat GERCSAK. CONWAY trailed to a waza-ari from a cutting ashi-waza attack but responded with a tani-otoshi to level the score. Scottish judoka CONWAY submitted her Hungarian opponent with a juji-gatame with just one second left on the clock to return to form.

Final
ZUPANCIC, Kelita (CAN) vs BERNHOLM, Anna (SWE)

Bronze Medal Fights
MATNIYAZOVA, Gulnoza (UZB) vs POLLERES, Michaela (AUT) 
CONWAY, Sally (GBR) vs GERCSAK, Szabina (HUN)

Final Results

1. BERNHOLM, Anna (SWE)
2. ZUPANCIC, Kelita (CAN) 
3. POLLERES, Michaela (AUT) 
3. CONWAY, Sally (GBR) 
5. MATNIYAZOVA, Gulnoza (UZB) 
5. GERCSAK, Szabina (HUN) 
7. BERNABEU, Maria (ESP)
7. FLETCHER, Megan (IRL)

FINAL RESULTS: MEN

-73kg: Swede MACIAS shocks double world medallist for first Grand Prix victory

World Judo Masers bronze medallist Tommy MACIAS (SWE) was the best performer in the -73kg category on Saturday as he won all four of his contests to reign for Sweden. MACIAS had won four Grand Prix medals before today (three silver, one bronze) and finally achieved that elusive Grand Prix gold on a rewarding day for the Swedish team. Double world bronze medallist AN Changrim (KOR) was a joy to watch in the preliminaries but may have been guilty of underestimating his Swedish foe who threw the South Korean with a sumi-gaeshi for ippon after only 50 seconds. A favourite losing decisively in the opening minute is exactly what judo is about. Anything can happen to any athlete at any time.

In the first semi-final AN defeated World Judo Masters bronze medallist Hidayat HEYDAROV (AZE) by a waza-ari score in their first ever meeting. AN came out on top with a sumptuous o-guruma for the only score of the contest to take his place in the final. In the second semi-final MACIAS bested 20-year-old David LIMA (BRA) by a single waza-ari score from a yoko-tomoe-nage.

The first bronze medal was won by world number 21 Mohammad MOHAMMADI (IRI) who defeated LIMA by a waza-ari score which was the only score in the four minute contest. MOHAMMADI protected his advantage, which came from an osoto to osoto counter with a mature performance as 20-year-old gave a valiant effort in his first appearance in an IJF final block.

The second bronze medal went to HEYDAROV who beat world number 166 Nikola GUSIC (MNE) by a waza-ari score. Azeri star HEYDAROV scored with a reverse seoi-nage and then adopted a more cautious approach which is uncharacteristic of the flamboyant Junior world champion as he was content to win by a single score after four minutes of action.

Final
MACIAS, Tommy (SWE) vs AN, Changrim (KOR)

Bronze Medal Fights
LIMA, David (BRA) vs MOHAMMADI, Mohammad (IRI)
GUSIC, Nikola (MNE) vs HEYDAROV, Hidayat (AZE)

Final Results

1. MACIAS, Tommy (SWE) 
2. AN, Changrim (KOR) 
3. MOHAMMADI, Mohammad (IRI) 
3. HEYDAROV, Hidayat (AZE) 
5. LIMA, David (BRA) 
5. GUSIC, Nikola (MNE) 
7. GJAKOVA, Akil (KOS)
7. WAGNER, Christopher (AUT)

-81kg: Turkish delight for ALBAYRAK who closes out day two in style

Agadir Grand Prix winner Vedat ALBAYRAK (TUR) ended day two with Turkey’s first gold medal as he defeated first time IJF finalist and Zagreb Grand Prix bronze medallist Jack HATTON (USA) in the -81kg final. If ALBAYRAK looks familiar it is because he used to represent Greece under the name Roman MOUSTOPOULOS. ALBAYRAK, 24, who was actually born as Vano REVAZISHVILI, has won three medals from three Grand Prix events for Turkey since officially switching nations in January. The world number 27 took silver in Tunis, gold in Agadir and now gold in his adopted homeland as he overpowered HATTON on the ground with a yoko-shiho-gatame hold.

In the first semi-final 18-year-old Tato GRIGALASHVILI (GEO) lost out to ALBAYRAK after three minutes of golden score by ippon. GRIGALASHVILI attacked with a ko-soto-gake but the home judoka changed direction and took control of his opponent in mid-air for a sensational win in added time. In the second semi-final 21-year-old former Zagreb Grand Prix bronze medallist Sukhrob TURSUNOV (UZB) fell to HATTON by ippon from an ouchi-gari in golden score.

The first bronze medal was won by u23 European Championships winner Dorin GOTONOAGA (MDA) who squeezed past TURSUNOV. GOTONOAGA won his second Grand Prix bronze medal by a waza-ari score from an osoto-makikomi as the Moldovan matched his result from the 2017 Düsseldorf Grand Prix.

The second bronze medal went to GRIGALASHVILI who gave Hohhot Grand Prix bronze medallist CSOKNYAI Laszlo (HUN) a torrid time. GRIGALASHVILI, 18, marked his first international competition on the IJF circuit with bronze as world number 20 CSOKNYAI struggled to contain the young Georgian. CSOKNYAI received his third shido with a minute and a half left on the clock and was disqualified.

Final
HATTON, Jack (USA) vs ALBAYRAK, Vedat (TUR)

Bronze Medal Fights
TURSUNOV, Sukhrob (UZB) vs GOTONOAGA, Dorin (MDA)
CSOKNYAI, Laszlo (HUN) vs GRIGALASHVILI, Tato (GEO)

Final Results

1. ALBAYRAK, Vedat (TUR) 
2. HATTON, Jack (USA) 
3. GOTONOAGA, Dorin (MDA) 
3. GRIGALASHVILI, Tato (GEO) 
5. TURSUNOV, Sukhrob (UZB) 
5. CSOKNYAI, Laszlo (HUN) 
7. MILIC, Arso (MNE)
7. ZOLOEV, Vladimir (KGZ)

FINAL RESULTS: WOMEN

-63kg: World number 15 KRSSAKOVA makes ground on teammate with second Grand Prix gold medal

Tunis Grand Prix bronze medallist Magdalena KRSSAKOVA (AUT) made good on her top seed status as Austria’s number two in the -63kg weight category won her second Grand Prix title. World number five Kathrin UNTERWURZACHER (AUT) is Austria’s best-ranked judoka in the -63kg category and in her absence, KRSSAKOVA seized her opportunity to move up the rankings and close the gap to her teammate on the World Ranking List. World number 55 Valentina KOSTENKO (RUS) fell behind to a waza-ari from a uchi-mata-sukashi and world number 15 KRSSAKOVA countered her opponent for ippon with six seconds left on the clock. Both Austrian judoka will now be expected to receive the nod for the European Championships in April.

In the first semi-final KRSSAKOVA held down Zagreb Grand Prix bronze medallist Mia HERMANSSON (SWE) with a tate-shiho-gatame to drive into the -63kg final. In the second semi-final KOSTENKO defeated two-time Grand Slam bronze medallist Busra KATIPOGLU (TUR) with an uchi-mata for a waza-ari score in added time. It took six minutes and nine seconds of golden score to find a winner as the Russian produced the first and only score of the contest to conclude the first session of judo on day two.

The first bronze medal contest was won by KATIPOGLU who defeated Pan American Championships silver medallist Yanka PASCOALINO (BRA) for a momentous start to the final block for the hosts. KATIPOGLU won bronze at home in style with two waza-ari scores with the pick of the two being her opener from a sode-tsurikomi-goshi. The Turkish judoka jumped into the arms of her father after leaving the tatami and cried with tears of joy after a rollercoaster of a ride in recent years with injuries.

The second bronze medal was won by world number 146 Alexia CASTILHOS (BRA) who countered an uchi-mata from HERMANSSON to roll her opponent for a waza-ari. CASTILHOS won her first IJF World Judo Tour medal when her Swedish opponent repeated the same mistake and the Brazilian took full advantage for her second waza-ari score.

Final
KOSTENKO, Valentina (RUS) vs KRSSAKOVA, Magdalena (AUT)

Bronze Medal Fights
KATIPOGLU, Busra (TUR) vs PASCOALINO, Yanka (BRA)
CASTILHOS, Alexia (BRA) vs HERMANSSON, Mia (SWE)

Final Results

1. KRSSAKOVA, Magdalena (AUT) 
2. KOSTENKO, Valentina (RUS) 
3. KATIPOGLU, Busra (TUR) 
3. CASTILHOS, Alexia (BRA) 
5. PASCOALINO, Yanka (BRA) 
5. HERMANSSON, Mia (SWE)
7. BADUROVA, Kamila (RUS)
7. SHEMESH, Inbal (ISR)

-70kg: BERNHOLM wins first Grand Prix title at the 28th attempt

Perseverance paid off for World Judo Masters bronze medallist Anna BERNHOLM (SWE) who finally won her first Grand Prix gold medal after seven years on the circuit. BERNHOLM prevailed against former world number one Kelita ZUPANCIC (CAN) to win gold at the 28th attempt. ZUPANCIC submitted to a juji-gatame after two minutes of golden score as the Swede showed the world that she means business in the -70kg category and will be a force to be reckoned with next month at the European Championships.

In the first semi-final BERNHOLM defeated Tashkent Grand Prix bronze medallist GERCSAK Szabina (HUN) in golden score with a sumi-gaeshi for a waza-ari score. In the second semi-final ZUPANCIC dominated Tashkent Grand Prix winner Gulnoza MATNIYAZOVA (UZB) to win by ippon having led by a waza-ari score. The Canadian pinned down her rival with a sankaku-gatame after a lengthy ne-waza exchange to ensure a medal for her country;

The first bronze medal was awarded to 20-year-old Zagreb Grand Prix bronze medallist Michaela POLLERES (AUT) who bested MATNIYAZOVA. POLLERES threw her Uzbek rival with a ura-nage for a waza-ari score and followed up with osaekomi for 10 seconds and more silverware for Austria whose women’s program is among the best in Europe.

The second bronze medal was won by Olympic bronze medallist and Paris Grand Slam winner Sally CONWAY (GBR) who showed her character to come from behind to beat GERCSAK. CONWAY trailed to a waza-ari from a cutting ashi-waza attack but responded with a tani-otoshi to level the score. Scottish judoka CONWAY submitted her Hungarian opponent with a juji-gatame with just one second left on the clock to return to form.

Final
ZUPANCIC, Kelita (CAN) vs BERNHOLM, Anna (SWE)

Bronze Medal Fights
MATNIYAZOVA, Gulnoza (UZB) vs POLLERES, Michaela (AUT) 
CONWAY, Sally (GBR) vs GERCSAK, Szabina (HUN)

Final Results

1. BERNHOLM, Anna (SWE)
2. ZUPANCIC, Kelita (CAN) 
3. POLLERES, Michaela (AUT) 
3. CONWAY, Sally (GBR) 
5. MATNIYAZOVA, Gulnoza (UZB) 
5. GERCSAK, Szabina (HUN) 
7. BERNABEU, Maria (ESP)
7. FLETCHER, Megan (IRL)

FINAL RESULTS: MEN

-73kg: Swede MACIAS shocks double world medallist for first Grand Prix victory

World Judo Masers bronze medallist Tommy MACIAS (SWE) was the best performer in the -73kg category on Saturday as he won all four of his contests to reign for Sweden. MACIAS had won four Grand Prix medals before today (three silver, one bronze) and finally achieved that elusive Grand Prix gold on a rewarding day for the Swedish team. Double world bronze medallist AN Changrim (KOR) was a joy to watch in the preliminaries but may have been guilty of underestimating his Swedish foe who threw the South Korean with a sumi-gaeshi for ippon after only 50 seconds. A favourite losing decisively in the opening minute is exactly what judo is about. Anything can happen to any athlete at any time.

In the first semi-final AN defeated World Judo Masters bronze medallist Hidayat HEYDAROV (AZE) by a waza-ari score in their first ever meeting. AN came out on top with a sumptuous o-guruma for the only score of the contest to take his place in the final. In the second semi-final MACIAS bested 20-year-old David LIMA (BRA) by a single waza-ari score from a yoko-tomoe-nage.

The first bronze medal was won by world number 21 Mohammad MOHAMMADI (IRI) who defeated LIMA by a waza-ari score which was the only score in the four minute contest. MOHAMMADI protected his advantage, which came from an osoto to osoto counter with a mature performance as 20-year-old gave a valiant effort in his first appearance in an IJF final block.

The second bronze medal went to HEYDAROV who beat world number 166 Nikola GUSIC (MNE) by a waza-ari score. Azeri star HEYDAROV scored with a reverse seoi-nage and then adopted a more cautious approach which is uncharacteristic of the flamboyant Junior world champion as he was content to win by a single score after four minutes of action.

Final
MACIAS, Tommy (SWE) vs AN, Changrim (KOR)

Bronze Medal Fights
LIMA, David (BRA) vs MOHAMMADI, Mohammad (IRI)
GUSIC, Nikola (MNE) vs HEYDAROV, Hidayat (AZE)

Final Results

1. MACIAS, Tommy (SWE) 
2. AN, Changrim (KOR) 
3. MOHAMMADI, Mohammad (IRI) 
3. HEYDAROV, Hidayat (AZE) 
5. LIMA, David (BRA) 
5. GUSIC, Nikola (MNE) 
7. GJAKOVA, Akil (KOS)
7. WAGNER, Christopher (AUT)

-81kg: Turkish delight for ALBAYRAK who closes out day two in style

Agadir Grand Prix winner Vedat ALBAYRAK (TUR) ended day two with Turkey’s first gold medal as he defeated first time IJF finalist and Zagreb Grand Prix bronze medallist Jack HATTON (USA) in the -81kg final. If ALBAYRAK looks familiar it is because he used to represent Greece under the name Roman MOUSTOPOULOS. ALBAYRAK, 24, who was actually born as Vano REVAZISHVILI, has won three medals from three Grand Prix events for Turkey since officially switching nations in January. The world number 27 took silver in Tunis, gold in Agadir and now gold in his adopted homeland as he overpowered HATTON on the ground with a yoko-shiho-gatame hold.

In the first semi-final 18-year-old Tato GRIGALASHVILI (GEO) lost out to ALBAYRAK after three minutes of golden score by ippon. GRIGALASHVILI attacked with a ko-soto-gake but the home judoka changed direction and took control of his opponent in mid-air for a sensational win in added time. In the second semi-final 21-year-old former Zagreb Grand Prix bronze medallist Sukhrob TURSUNOV (UZB) fell to HATTON by ippon from an ouchi-gari in golden score.

The first bronze medal was won by u23 European Championships winner Dorin GOTONOAGA (MDA) who squeezed past TURSUNOV. GOTONOAGA won his second Grand Prix bronze medal by a waza-ari score from an osoto-makikomi as the Moldovan matched his result from the 2017 Düsseldorf Grand Prix.

The second bronze medal went to GRIGALASHVILI who gave Hohhot Grand Prix bronze medallist CSOKNYAI Laszlo (HUN) a torrid time. GRIGALASHVILI, 18, marked his first international competition on the IJF circuit with bronze as world number 20 CSOKNYAI struggled to contain the young Georgian. CSOKNYAI received his third shido with a minute and a half left on the clock and was disqualified.

Final
HATTON, Jack (USA) vs ALBAYRAK, Vedat (TUR)

Bronze Medal Fights
TURSUNOV, Sukhrob (UZB) vs GOTONOAGA, Dorin (MDA)
CSOKNYAI, Laszlo (HUN) vs GRIGALASHVILI, Tato (GEO)

Final Results

1. ALBAYRAK, Vedat (TUR) 
2. HATTON, Jack (USA) 
3. GOTONOAGA, Dorin (MDA) 
3. GRIGALASHVILI, Tato (GEO) 
5. TURSUNOV, Sukhrob (UZB) 
5. CSOKNYAI, Laszlo (HUN) 
7. MILIC, Arso (MNE)
7. ZOLOEV, Vladimir (KGZ)