That ambition came to an end though, in the quarter-final. Locked in a highly tactical contest against Irina Zueva (RUS), Nelson Levy was unable to find the breakthrough and saw her tournament come to an unexpected halt.
Zueva advanced to face Martha Fawaz (FRA), who had quietly but efficiently negotiated her own section of the draw. The French judoka produced an excellent tactical display, scoring yuko twice, first with tai-otoshi and later with o-uchi-gari. Those scores proved sufficient to send her through to her first grand prix final.
The second finalist emerged from the opposite half of the draw, where surprise package Maysa Pardayeva (TKM) continued her remarkable run by defeating Japan's Momo Tamaoki (JPN) in the semi-final. The final was therefore set between the French newcomer and the Turkmen judoka, both chasing the biggest success of their careers.
The gold medal contest went into golden score after neither athlete could find the decisive breakthrough during normal time. Pardayeva received a penalty shortly after the start of the additional period, leaving everything to play for. Moments later, Fawaz committed to an uchi-mata without controlling the position fully. Pardayeva reacted instantly, countering with a perfectly timed ura-nage for ippon to crown a sensational day with the gold medal.
Pardayeva said, "It has always been my biggest dream to take first place in judo. This is my very first gold medal on the international stage and I am incredibly proud of it. Achieving this major success in an international competition has only fuelled my desire and motivation to compete at the Olympic Games. My next goal is to win a gold medal at the 34th Olympic Games."
Opposed by Oyunchimeg Oyungerel (MGL) in the first bronze medal contest, Momo Tamaoki (JPN) left her opponent with no opportunity to respond, forcing a submission with a kansetsu-waza to secure the bronze medal.
The second bronze medal contest saw Mina Libeer (BEL) face Irina Zueva (RUS). It proved to be another closely fought encounter before Zueva found the decisive opening, scoring a yuko with a sharp ashi-waza, a score that proved enough to earn her a place on the podium.
Final (-57 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-57 kg)
