Final: Mathilda Sophie Niemeyer (GER) vs Fanny Estelle Posvite (FRA)
Niemeyer has a wild uchi-mata which can catch anyone but Posvite is clever and knows how to stay away from such things. One warning was all she needed and from then on she blocked this possibility for the German judoka.
Thinking she had the strategy solved, Posvite attacked next; an osoto-gari was locked and loaded but Niemeyer reacted fast and turned to change the narrative, countering for a waza-ari. It was the only score that mattered in the contest; this was a golden waza-ari.
After the final, the winner said, “It was a tough day but I’m very happy with my performance. Winning my first grand prix gold in my first year in the senior category is a great start. Seeing my German teammate take gold yesterday was super-inspiring and gave me a lot of motivation. Going into the final against an experienced opponent like Posvite, the plan was simple: go straight into it and don't back down!”
Bronze medal contest: Brenda Olaya (COL) vs Karol Gimenes (BRA)
At full time there were two penalties for white and two for blue from what had been an action-packed four minutes. Fierce exchanges delivered attack after attack but none had connected as the athletes hopped and so a little extra time was needed to separate them.
Olaya was the one who made the adjustment, understanding how Gimenes might attack next. She countered a seoi-otoshi attempt to earn herself a neat yuko and a bronze medal.
Bronze medal contest: Marie Branser (GUI) vs Madeleine Malonga (FRA)
This contest left the spectators holding their breath. It was as if Malonga might throw at any moment. Branser looked at risk from beginning to end but it was her who found the split second to score, throwing malanga with a tiny ko-uchi-gari for a yuko just inside the last minute.
Surviving against an onslaught from a world-class opponent is no joke but Branser was intelligent and robust and held on just long enough to earn the medal. This was a satisfying win for this veteran who is in the most consistent phase of her career. She has put herself among the ones to watch at every tournament now.
Final (-78 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-78 kg)
Final Results (-78 kg)
