Amazing draw for women at Judo Grand Slam Paris

The judo draw for the women at the Grand Slam in Paris was conducted by IJF Head Sports Director Vladimir Barta. The strong French women took the title last year at the last day by Audrey Tcheumeo U78kg and Emilie Andeol +78kg.

The team of 28 women consists of 2015 World Champion Gevrise Emane, former World Champion Clarisse Agbegnenou and Audrey Tcheumeo and World medallists Amandine Buchard, Automne Pavia, and Fanny Estelle Posvite. Also there’s place for World Junior medallists Astride Gneto and Sarah Harachi.

A strong Brazilian team includes Havana winner and Olympic champion Sarah Menezes, Former World Champions Mayra Aguiar and Rafaela Silva. The field will also see the strong German women. Without World medallist Luise Malzahn but with Laura Vargas Koch, Martyna Trajdos, Mareen Kraeh, Miryam Roper and Carolin Weiss the Germans will have enough candidates left for a medal.

The Hungarian women have strong women in almost each category: The experienced Csernoviczky, Joo, Karakas and rookies Gercsak and Pupp. Kosova will have Gjakova and Kelmendi as candidates for metal.

The Dutch brings in World Ranking leader Kim Polling, the two contenders for an Olympic spot U78kg Steenhuis and Verkerk and Anicka van Emden among others.

With 10 women from the USA, there must be something at stake in Paris: Malloy and Harrison are accompanied by 8 women trying to get some valuable points and experience in the French capital.

Japan brings in former World Champion Mami Umeki, but without Misato Nakamura and Kaori Matsumoto. Last year’s Paris winner  Haruka Tachimoto and former World Champions Haruna Asami and Ami Kondo who are separated U48kg.

Most dangerous maybe the Mongolian women’s team with World Ranking leaders Urantsetseg Munkhbat and Sumiya Dorjsuren and world bronze medallist Munkhzaya Tsedevsuren in the team.

Tina Trstenjak and Ana Velensek are the only women from Slovenia, but definitely among the favourites. Velensek in one pool with Olympic medallists Aguiar and Verkerk.

China have four women: Ma Yingnan, Yang Yunxia, Ma Sisi and Yu Song. The last two battle for one Olympic position and are separated in the draw.

Participation record +78kg:

The category for women +78kg sets a new record in participation in Paris, 31 women 5 more than the previous record in 2012. It’s the best participation ever in a Grand Slam.