Fanny Estelle Posvite captures pre-birthday gift

Fanny Estelle Posvite of France won her first IJF gold medal after having a day to remember in Hohhot which culminated with an impressive win over Baku Grand Slam silver medallist Anna Maria Wagner (GER). Two-time Grand Prix winner Wagner was looking to achieve a hat-trick of titles at this level. She celebrates her 27th birthday on Monday.

Wagner finished second best after France’s former U70kg judoka and Former world bronze medallist  stamped her name on her new division with an o-soto-makikomi after 29 seconds of golden score. Posvite switched weights in March and has a deep domestic division to deal with in France but could be set for a late challenge for a Tokyo 2020 berth.

In the first semi-final Wagner prevailed after former world champion and double Olympic medallist Audrey Tcheumeo (FRA) was disqualified after receiving three shidos. In the second semi-final Posvite defeated Cancun Grand Prix winner Takayama Rika (JPN) by ippon to move into the gold medal contest.

The first bronze medal contest was won by former Qingdao Grand Prix bronze medallist Ma Zhenzhao (CHN) after a below-par Takayama was dismissed for picking up three shidos.                                                 

The second bronze medal was won by former world bronze medallist Kaliema Antomarchi (CUB) after Tcheumeo was disqualified for picking up three shidos with the third and final indiscretion coming in golden score.