Fifth Grand Slam title for world champion Sarah Asahina

Asahina Sarah of Japan has now won six of her last seven events but the Japanese starlet did it the hard way in Germany as she only produced one score in her four contests. Openweight world champion Asahina, 21, of Tokai University, began her season with gold in front of her parents with persistence being the order of the day.

The usually dynamic and highly-exciting judo from Asahina was not there today but she showed character to progress through the rounds and defeat Openweight world bronze medallist Nihel Cheikh Rouhou (TUN) in the +78kg final. Cheikh Rouhou lost out when she picked up a third shido in golden score for dropping after Asahina had stepped up her work rate with repeat ashi-waza attacks.

In the first semi-final Asahina profited from a below-par performance by Paris Grand Slam bronze medallist Iryna Kindzerska (AZE) who was penalised three times to receive hansoku-make. In the second semi-final 18-year-old Cadet Asian Championships winner Kim Hayun (KOR) received her third shido and was disqualified against Openweight world bronze medallist Nihel Cheikh Rouhou (TUN).

The first bronze medal was awarded to Kim who beat former Cadet European Championships bronze medallist Samira Bouizgarne (GER) when the home judoka was penalised for being passive in golden score. As the third shido, Bouizgarne was disqualified in the battle of 18-year-old prospects.

The second bronze medal was won by Kindzerska as two-time World Judo Masters bronze medallist Larisa CERIC (BIH) was disqualified for receiving three shidos.