Five nations appear at the top end of the medal table with the gold medals split among them evenly. Three continents star too as those golds were won by European, Asian and Pan-American countries, but it’s Kazakhstan at the very top; Serikbayev’s -66 kg gold medal was accompanied by two silvers, earned by Bakytzhan (-60 kg) and Tynbaeva (-48 kg).

Brazil are in second place after Shirlen Nascimento won her first World Judo Tour gold (-57 kg). Teammate Ronald Lima gave a great performance on the way to his -66 kg final, a silver medal the final result.

Elsewhere, it was wonderful to see Assunta Scutto continue her resurgence. A gold in Lima in the summer, a silver at the Baku World Championships and now gold in Zagreb show a true return to form which can be applauded not only by Italy but by judo fans everywhere.

The biggest comeback of the day was undoubtedly that of Paris Olympic champion Diyora Keldiyorova (UZB). After the Olympic Games she started her family with the birth of her daughter. She has fought three times in recent weeks but in this day she finally returned to the podium of a grand prix. Visibly moved by the occasion, Keldiyorova accepted a huge hug from coach Marko Spittka as she left the tatami. It was a bronze, a very important bronze.

More stories are ready to unfold on the second day in the Zagreb Arena. Tune in to JudoTV.com to stay up to date with all the action.