It’s Day 2 of the Zagreb Grand Prix, hosted at the Arena Zagreb, here in the heart of Croatia.
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.
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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.
It’s been super nice. The last time I was here was 2019 so it’s been quite a long time. It’s nice to come back and have a little bit of that nostalgia feeling and see the crowd, see Zagreb again. It’s always been really nice here.
Jessica KLIMKAIT
Canadian judoka
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.
I’m really happy with my performance. There were so many people, and the atmosphere was full of emotion. I can’t really describe how I feel right now. I’m just so happy.
Giorgi LOLADZE
Georgian judoka
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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.
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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.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
