Home Heroes and Japanese Stars Shine in Qingdao

The Qingdao Grand Prix opened with memorable performances as home favourite Wenna Zhuang delighted the local fans. Hayato Kondo claimed a second Qingdao title, Kokoro Fujishiro earned her first Grand Prix gold, Hifumi Abe added another title, Maysa Pardayeva celebrated a maiden World Tour victory. The IJF World Judo Tour has arrived in China for the Qingdao Grand Prix. In this stunning coastal city, we celebrate world class judo. Tugce BEDER faced Wenna ZHUANG in the -48kg category final, where home hero ZHUANG confidently claimed the gold medal on her home tatami with waza-ari-awasete-ippon to the joy of the local crowd. Mr Mohammed MERIDJA, the IJF Education & Coaching Director awarded the medals. In the -60kg category, Charlie AYRE faced Hayato KONDO. KONDO was focussed and threw for waza-ari with a clever counter. A strong finish from KONDO to win his second Qingdao gold medal! IJF Referee Director, Mr Raul CAMACHO PEREZ awarded the medals. Mascha BALLHAUS was up against Kokoro FUJISHIRO in the -52kg final where FUJISHIRO threw for a big waza-ari and followed up with an armlock for the ippon. A dynamic transition from FUJISHIRO who capitalised instantly to secure her first Grand Prix gold in impressive fashion. Mr Kosei INOUE, IJF Sport Director awarded the medals. At -66kg, Hifumi ABE was in top form. He faced Gusman KYRGYZBAYEV in the final. A yuko was enough for ABE to claim the gold medal. IJF Referee Director, Ms Tina TRSTENJAK awarded the medals. At -57kg, Martha FAWAZ faced Maysa PARDAYEVA who claimed her first World Tour gold medal with this incredible ippon! His Excellency Mr Battulga KHALTMAA, IJF Executive Committee Member awarded the medals. Join us again tomorrow in beautiful China!