Day 3 in Linz brought thrilling heavyweight action. Tato Grigalashvili won the all-Georgian final at -90 kg, while Marie Branser made history with Guinea’s first World Judo Tour gold. Anton Savytskiy, Raz Hershko and Ibrahim Tataroglu also claimed gold on a spectacular final day.
It’s Day 3 of the Judo Grand Prix here in Upper Austria. And it was time for the heavyweights to take centre stage. The Tips Arena Linz was once again full of eager fans looking forward to another exciting day of judo.
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Tato GRIGALASHVILI met teammate Luka JAVAKHISHVILI in the all Georgian final at -90 kg.
GRIGALASHVILI who normally competes at -81 kg, showed he could be equally dominant in the higher weight!
In the final, an armlock from GRIGALASHVILI forced his teammate into submission. Gold for GRIGALASHVILI at -90 kg.
His medal was awarded by Georgia Ambassador to Austria His Excellency Alexander MAISURADZE.
At -78 kg, Lieke DERKS of the Netherlands was up against Marie BRANSER of Guinea. A beautiful seoi-otoshi in golden score, gave BRANSER a wazari and Guinea their first ever World Judo Tour gold medal.
International Judo Federation Referee Supervisor Ms Ioana BABIUC awarded the medal.
In the -100 kg final, Anton SAVYTSKIY of Ukraine was up against Kou NAKAYAMA of Japan. Within the opening minute, SAVYTSKIY caught his opponent with some sensational driving te waza, leaving his opponent flat on his back.
This is SAVYTSKIY’s second podium finish in 2026.
International Judo Federation Sport Commission Member & 3 time World Champion Ms Yuri ALVEAR awarded the medals.
In the +78 kg final, Olympic silver medalist Raz HERSHKO was able to find the opening she needed to force a submission and claim her fourth grand prix gold.
International Judo Federation EC Member Mrs Louisa AGIUS GALEA awarded the medal.
It was Ibrahim TATAROGLU who would claim the last gold of the tournament at +100 kg. Catching his opponent with a beautiful makikomi. Gold for Türkiye.
He received his medal from Referee Director of the International Judo Federation, Olympic & World Champion Ms Tina TRSTENJAK.
Day 3 marked a powerful end to the Upper Austria Grand Prix. We’ll see you in two weeks time in Tbilisi.