The Judo Grand Prix in Budapest came to a close on Sunday.
ADVERTISEMENTThe Judo Grand Prix in Budapest came to a close on Sunday.
After Japan dominated Saturday, Sunday was for the Europeans.
Former world silver medallist Krisztian Toth thrilled the home fans as he won the men’s -90 kilo title on the final day.
The 22-year old Hungarian judoka warmed up for his first Olympic Games by beating Mihael Zgank of Slovenia in the final.
Russia’s Olympic bronze medallist Ivan Nifontov celebrated the first Grand Prix gold medal of his illustrious career on Sunday.
The 2009 World and European champion defeated Dusseldorf Grand Prix silver medallist Sven Maresch of Germany to claim the -81kg gold medal.
Dutchman Michael Korrel defeated Soyib Kurbonov from Uzbekistan to claim the -100 kilo title.
Korrel struck his first Grand Prix gold medal courtesy of a waza-ari score.
The winning move came one minute and 26 seconds into added time.
It was the first gold medal for the Netherlands at the event.
Over in the women’s contest Elvismar Rodriguez produced a shock result when she beat top seeded German and former world silver medallist Laura Vargas Koch to win the -70 kilo gold.
The 19-year old sensation from Venezuela threw her more decorated opponent to the floor and trapped her there for an ippon.
American Kayla Harrison sounded the warning bells to her Rio Olympics rivals when she retained her budapest title in the -78 kilo division.
The 25-year-old Olympic champion won her third consecutive competition by beating Anamari Velensek in the final.