Slovenian Andreja Leski confirms world class in Marrakech

Slovenian Andreja Leski defeated Abu Dhabi Grand Slam bronze medallist Katharina Haecker (AUS) to win -63kg gold in Marrakech. Once again Düsseldorf Grand Slam bronze medallist Leski showed that she is far more than a back-up to Olympic champion and world number two Tina Trstenjak (SLO) as she claimed her second Grand Prix title.

The Slovenian went around the back of her opponent for a tani-otoshi for ippon as world number eight Haecker still managed to achieve her country’s best result on the IJF World Judo Tour.

In the first semi-final Leski defeated world number 26 Lubjana Piovesana (GBR) in golden score when the Briton received her third shido for passivity. In the second semi-final Haecker was declared the winner after Ekaterinburg Grand Slam bronze medallist Maelle Di Cintio (FRA) twisted her right knee and could no longer continue.

The first bronze medal contest was won by world number 58 Geke Van Den Berg (NED) after DI Cintio bravely started the contest despite picking up a semi-final injury but it was too much for the Frenchwoman who conceded the contest after one minute.

The second bronze medal was won by Piovesana who comfortably beat world number 65 Vivian Herrmann (GER) by two waza-ari scores to win her fourth Grand Prix bronze medal.