Canada celebrated double gold at the Zagreb Grand Prix as Jessica Klimkait and François Gauthier-Drapeau topped the podium. Georgia's Giorgi Loladze and Brazil's Nauana Silva claimed their first Grand Prix titles, while Croatia's Iva Oberan delighted the home crowd with bronze.
It's Day 2 of the Zagreb Grand Prix, hosted at the Arena Zagreb, here in the heart of Croatia.
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The event was officially opened with a local Kata performance followed by speeches -from Secretary General of the International Judo Federation, Dr Lisa Allan_,_ and President of the Croatian Judo Federation, Dr Sanda Corak.
Day two brought world class judo, putting fans right up close to all the action.
At -63kg, former world champion Jessica KLIMKAIT of Canada was up against Slovenia's Kaja KAJZER ZABKAR. With just seconds to go, a Waza-ari score from KLIMKAIT was enough to take the victory.
Dr Krešimir ŠAMIJA, Croatia Prime Minister Representative, awarded the medals.
Georgia's Giorgi LOLADZE and Joshua GREEN of Ireland were both competing in their first ever Grand Prix final. In a close battle, just a Yuko score would crown LOLADZE the -73Kg champion.
Ambassador of Georgia to Croatia, His Excellency Mr Zaal GOGSADZE awarded the medals.
At -70kg, Nauana SILVA of Brazil met Poland’s Aleksandra KOWALEWSKA in the final. SILVA has 4 Grand Prix medals to her name, but never taken gold. A relentless drive from the Brazilian earned her that elusive first title!
Mr Krešimir MAKVIĆ, City of Zagreb Mayor Representative, awarded the medals.
It was a great day for the Canadian team with François GAUTHIER DRAPEAU at -81Kg providing a fantastic footsweep in golden score, to take Canada’s second gold medal.
The medals were awarded by Ms Tina TRSTENJAK, International Judo Federation Referee Director.
A sensational bronze medal for Croatia’s Iva OBERAN and unstoppable local judo action gave the home crowd plenty to cheer for throughout the day.
We’ll see you tomorrow for the heavyweights on Day 3.