In the -73 kg category, we saw an amazing performance from Bilal Ciloglu of Turkey. Ciloglu seems to be on great form at the moment and after his victory in Abu Dhabi last week, this weekend, the young Turk was able to claim another gold medal. The future is bright for this young IPPON chaser, who seems to just keep evolving.
In the category under 63 kg, it was an all Austrian final between Kathrin Unterwurzacher and Magdalena Krssakova, who were both looking very strong throughout the day. In the end, Unterwurzacher was the one coming out on top, both girls were able to display some great judo. What can we say, Austria is spoiled for choice in this category, having not just one, but two so consistent athletes.
In the category under 60 kg, a silver medal went to Ashley McKenzie of Great Britain. McKenzie wasted no time on the way to the final, going from fight to fight with only IPPON wins. In the final, he was unfortunately not able to take the win but nevertheless, a very strong effort from the British lightweight.
McKenzie could share the podium with another IPPON GEAR athlete, namely David Pulkrabek of Czech Republic. After losing out in the quarter final, he quickly bounced back in the repechage and in the end of the day, the Czech athlete could be delighted about winning his first medal this season.
In the -70 kg category, a good bronze medal went to Michaela Polleres of Austria. Polleres is one of the most consistent athletes in this category and after winning a bronze medal in Abu Dhabi, this weekend, the Austrian powerhouse was yet again to be found on the podium, taking her 8th medal on the IJF World Tour.
Another athlete who seem to be on very good form at the moment is Karla Prodan of Croatia in the -78 kg category. After winning her first Grand Prix medal in her home event in Zagreb earlier this year, the Croat went on to win a bronze medal at the Tashkent Grand Prix and this weekend, she was able to add another bronze medal to her fast-growing collection of IJF World Tour medals.
In the category under 100 kg, Danish Mathias Madsen was able to step on the podium. Madsen made it all the way to the semifinal where he unfortunately fell short but came back strongly to take a well-deserved bronze medal!
Last but not least, Daniel Allerstofer also picked up a bronze medal in the +100 kg category. Allerstofer managed to show some powerful judo throughout the competition, which, in the end of the day, could bring him his first medal this year.
Additionally, Aaron Fara of Austria ended his day with a 5th place, just missing out on a spot at the podium. Fara is known for his gutsy and exciting judo and this weekend was no different. In the end of the day, Fara had to settle for a 5th place but nevertheless, a strong effort from the Austrian.
Also, another athlete came very close to a podium finish but narrowly missed out; namely David Klammert of Czech Republic in the category under 90 kg. This time it was not enough for a medal and he took home a 5th place result.
Furthermore, four athletes ended with a 7th place:
Reka Pupp of Hungary (-52 kg)
Barbara Matic of Croatia (-70 kg)
Schamil Borchashvili of Austria (-81 kg)
Zalan Ohat of Hungary (-100 kg)
Next stop for our athletes will be the Osaka IJF Grand Slam, which will be the last Grand Slam of the year. As usual, we will be covering all action from Japan - Stay tuned.
