In the final she faced Wenna Zhuang of China who had also had a fantastic morning, defeating Ischt (GER), world champion Scutto (ITA), Perez Soler (ESP) and Ganbaatar (MGL) to fight for gold.
Boukli used a series of sutemi-waza attacks to ensure the pace stayed high and in her favour. Zhuang therefore picked up two penalties but Boukli felt a need to change tactic as the fight went into golden score. As she switched to hip techniques she was caught by Zhuang but under review a yuko was overturned. Boukli then scored her own yuko and celebrated but that too was overturned. Taking a deep breath ready to continue, the French judoka switched tactic again and as she employed her o-soto-gari, the crowd erupted; the yuko was finally cemented on the scoreboard, dressed in red, white and blue.
This is Shirine Boukli’s second gold medal at the Paris Grand Slam, always special, always important and always appreciated by the home supporters.
In the first bronze medal contest of the final block of the first day in Paris, Wakana Koga left Laura Martinez Abelenda absolutely no chance. A throw directly into kesa-gatame saw the Japanese flag placed above the podium, albeit in third place.
In the second branze medal contest Xinran Hui (CHN) looked determined to overcome Narantsetseg Ganbaatar (MGL) to reach the podium of the Paris Grand Slam. The 2024 junior world champion has won grand slam medals already but never in Paris; this one is always special.
Hui used a series of well-drilled ne-waza movements to put Ganbaatar under serious pressure, winning the bronze medal after scoring ippon via an osaekomi-waza.
Final (-48 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-48 kg)
