Russian Anastasiya Dmitrieva secures Grand Prix gold in Antalya

The first women’s final of the third day of the Grand prix in Antalya opposed Yarden Mayersohn of Israel, who so far had no record on World Judo Tour events, and Anastasiya Dmitrieva of Russia, who before the final had an impressive record of eight medals in Grand Prix and Grand Slams.

After 47 seconds, Mayersohn and Dmitrieva were both penalised a first time for passivity. The first powerful attack came from the Russian after two minutes when she launched a o-uchi-gari transformed into a uchi-mata but for no score. Feeling the pressure, Mayersohn had to attack, but the lack of control, offered a perfect situation for a counter attack, which Dmitrieva perfectly used for a ura-nage for waza-ari. Perfectly positioned, the Russian, again took the lead and produced an effort to engage a o-uchi-gari for a second waza-ari, immediately followed with an immobilisation for ippon. Dmitrieva’s victory could not be disputed.

The first bronze medal contest opposed the Zarina Raifova (KAZ) and Kumush Yuldashova (UZB). After 15 seconds, Raifova scored a first waza-ari to take the lead, just before Yuldashova was penalised for cross-gripping without attacking. With 38 seconds until the final gong, Raifova received a shido for blocking her opponent’s sleeve, but that did not change the final result as Raifova won here second medal at a Grand Prix.

In the second bronze medal contest, Yahima Ramirez (POR) faced Albina Amangeldiyeva. After fifty seconds, both athletes were penalised for passivity. 10 seconds before the end and the golden score, Ramirez received a second shido. Both athletes started the extra time without being more active and after a little while the referee announced matte and gave one shido to each of them, the difference of shido offering the victory to Amangeldiyeva.