Barbara Matić: Gold in the category -70 kg
Croatia’s golden girl Barbara Matić continues her winning streak and this weekend she was able to raise the flag for Croatia for the third time this year, as the clinched yet another gold medal in the -70 kg category. The former Double World Champion Matić is on great form and currently one of the strongest contenders to win the Olympic title in Paris later this year.
Sanne van Dijke: Silver in the category -70 kg
Runner up in the -70 kg category was Sanne van Dijke of the Netherlands, who made her first appearance at the IJF World Tour this year, after having struggled with an injury in the beginning of the year. Van Dijke is a force to be reckoned with in the -70 kg category and this weekend she proved that she yet again ready to battle for a top spot at the podium.
Yuliia Kurchenko: Gold in the category -78 kg
In the category -78 kg, Yuliia Kurchenko of Ukraine could celebrate her first ever Grand Slam victory. The only 20-year-old Ukrainian has begun the Olympic year in impressive style and has made it into not less than three back to back finals on the IJF World Tour. However, this weekend, Kurchenko was able to climb to the highest spot of the podium and claim the gold medal for the first time in her career.
Laurin Böhler: Bronze in the category -100 kg
Just two weeks after capturing his first Grand Prix medal in five years, Austria’s Laurin Böhler could yet again find himself on the podium at the IJF World Tour. This weekend, he was able to come away with a bronze medal in the category -100 kg. Böhler has been struggling with countless injuries and has undergone a total number of ten operations. However the Austrian athlete seems to be getting back to his old form, which opposes a real threat in the -100 kg category.
Zsombor Veg: Bronze in the category -100 kg
Böhler could share the podium with another IPPONGEAR athlete, Zsombor Veg of Hungary. Veg could be thrilled about coming away with his first medal on the IJF World Tour this year, as well as valuable points for the Olympic ranking list.
Ana Viktorija Puljiz: Silver in the category -52 kg
Croatian lightweight Ana Viktorija Puljiz could celebrate her first ever medal at Grand slam, as she was awarded a silver medal in the weight category -52 kg. The former U23 European Champion came into the competition unseeded but in the end of the day, Puljiz could cherish one of the best results of her career yet.
Tohar Butbul: Bronze in the category -73 kg
In the -73 kg category, Tohar Butbul was able to claim a bronze medal, the 9th Grand Slam medal of his career.
Congratulations to our athletes on all the great performances this weekend!
We are looking forwards to more action already next weekend, as the IJF World Tour will move to Turkey, for the Antalya Grand Slam!
