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Judo Grand Prix in Zagreb: Matić creates high spirits

The Croatian capital Zagreb is the centre of the judo world this weekend.

Tomo Medved, the Croatian deputy prime minister, opened the second day of Grand Prix competition together with the president of the European Judo Federation Laszlo Toth and with Sanda Čorak, who leads the Croatian federation as president.

Members of the disabled sports club FUJI showed their skills in an interlude.

Let’s take a look at the Grand Prix action: Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard from Canada won gold in the women’s up to 63 kilograms, Anriquelis Barrios was beaten. Tomo Medved presented the medals.

Lombardo: First win in new weight class and world championship outlook

Vice world champion Manuel Lombardo of Italy has won gold in the men’s up to 73 kilograms for the first time after changing weight classes. Lisa Allen of the World Federation’s Executive Committee was in charge of the award ceremony.

He had always been in the final block at world championships, but had not yet won there. He wants to do better in Tashkent, Lombardo said, looking ahead to the World Championships in October.

Butkereit challenges Matić – home advantage stings

Croatian world champion Barbara Matić drew many stares in Zagreb. Expectations were high, but the world champion was on the spot, entering the final in the weight category up to 70 kilograms. Her opponent there was Miriam Butkereit from Germany. The fighter from TSV Glinde gave Matić a run for her money, but the Croatian had the better end for herself. The 27-year-old Matić won, and that drove the mood in the hall even higher. Zagreb cheered the world champion

Matić received gold from the hands of Yasuhiro Yamashita, member of the Executive Committee of the World Judo Federation.

“I am happy that everyone is calling my name. This is an incentive for me. Yes, it’s good,” said Matić.

Alpha Djalo defeats former world champion

There was a victory for the French federation in the men’s up to 81 kilograms: Alpha Djalo won. Former world champion Saeid Mollaei challenged him in the final, but Djalo was not deterred and won precious metal on the world tour for the first time.

Florin Daniel Lascau, refereeing director of the world federation, took over the award ceremony.

Barbara Matić was the centre of attention for the Croatian audience, but her compatriot Iva Oberan also showed her skills. However, it was not enough for a medal, she came seventh in the women’s 63 kg category.

On the third day of the competition this Sunday, the heavyweights will be among those in action.

By Julian