Martyna Trajdos wins Grand Prix in China for the second time

Martyna Trajdos claimed her first IJF Grand Prix gold medal since 2013 as she defeated Asian-Pacific Championships bronze medallist Tang Jing (CHN) in the U63kg final. The German European Games winner Trajdos was too strong for world number 25 and former Antalya Grand Prix silver medallist Tang who was thrown with an o-soto-gari and then an o-uchi-gari with 27 seconds left in a comprehensive win for the European standout.

In the first semi-final Trajdos emerged triumphant against Osaka Grand Slam bronze medallist Nouchi Aimi (JPN) who was disqualified after picking up three shidos. In the second semi-final Tang beat Asian-Pacific Championships gold medallist Yang Junxia (CHN) by ippon to progress into the gold medal contest.

The first bronze medal contest was won by Yang who pinned down Junior World Championships silver medallist Laerke Olsen (DEN) in the opening contest of Saturday’s final block. Hosts China made the best possible start to the medal rounds in front of an impressive and vocal crowd as Yang claimed her fifth Grand Prix medal.

The second bronze medal was won by Nouchi who beat Pan-American Championships gold medallist Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard (CAN) after one minute of golden score with a ko-uchi-gari. Nouchi was unable to defend her 2018 title and had tears in her eyes after claiming bronze which will see her remain firmly behind Japan’s leading contenders in the U63kg category.