Antalya, the location for the current IJF grand slam, is heaving. The pace on day one is extremely high, majority of contests ending well before the bell and with positive scores. The range of techniques on show is remarkable and is testament to the excitement and variety present in modern judo.
Everyone can be dangerous; Charlie Young (GBR), world number 68, won in round one and threw Garcia Torne (ESP), world number 6, before going out.

Those athletes sailing close to the border of qualification are running out of time. This is not meant as an alarmist comment because it is the simple truth. Two grand slams, a continental championships and a world championships remain, as well as a few continental opens. The time to do it is now! Everyone can feel it and the level illustrates this perfectly.

See Hifumi Abe lead the way here:

From the incredible footwork of Hifumi Abe to the underdogs developing new ways to make their marks, the pace is unmatched and the rivalry is fierce. The referees are having to be as sharp as they have ever been and they are, they are feeling the pace perfectly, everyone on task without exception.

Topolovec (CRO), world number 63, throws Olympic and double world champion Rafaela Silva (BRA), world number 7, in round 2.

With two and a half days still to go, we have been shown the introduction and we like it. Antalya is exceeding all expectations.

See also