Nothing changed in the final block with the first medal contest being won very quickly by Van De Meeberg (NED) in ne-waza. She applied a well drilled shime-waza to ensure her place on the podium was safe, leaving Marta Garcia Martin (ESP) in 5th place.
In the second medal fight of the category, Mariana Esteves (GUI) shocked junior world champion Riko Honda, throwing to the rear in the very first exchange. She attacked with such commitment that no other score could be applied but ippon. At 28 years old, this medal is an emotional one, her first on the World Judo Tour, her 15th attempt. “Where there is effort, there is always accomplishment.” ~ Jigoro Kano.
In the final, Mascha Ballhaus (GER) cancelled out Nika Tomc’s (SLO) first attack, which had come immediately after ‘hajime,’ transitioning without delay into ne-waza.
The German Olympian applied a shime-waza that was unforgiving, earning a submission and a gold medal that Ballhaus was clearly happy with. Despite the loss, Tomc now has her first World Judo Tour medal and it is likely not to be her last!
Final (-57 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-57 kg)
