Preview O78 & Open Judo Worlds Osaka 2003

In the heavyweight category, we don’t know who’s fighting in which weight yet. But certainly the Germans are the ones to watch for. Sandra Köppen who will definitely fight in the plus class is the one to beat. The experienced doctors assistant from Potsdam (former East Germany) has won the German Open in Braunschweig in August and was third in Düsseldorf this year and third at the World in Munich two years ago.

But she’s still a major favourite. But the competitors are near to her, like England’s Karina Bryant who dd win in Düsseldorf but lost to Köppen at the German Open in the final. She won the British Open in London but that’s not a major surprise. However, the strong asset of Bryant is that she can really peak at the right time. She has an enormous list of honors with three European titles, two world junior titles and silver in Munich and bronze in Birmingham at world level.
The Japanese contender will definitely be a tough job for these girls. Whether it will be Shintani or Maki Tsukuda, who will probably fight in the plus, they both have good papers on home ground. Tsukuda seems to be quite young with 1 years, but ever underestimate the power of the home fans and the chemistry of a crowded Jo-Hall.
Which Cuban will start in what weight is not yet clear, but with Daima Beltran (31 years) and Ivis Duenas, Cuba has the finest choice there is. Duenas seems to be the one for the plus this edition.
The Chinese always have strong competitors. It’s never known who will start and in what category. But a lady like Hua Yuan has already proved to be the best at a world championship, an Olympic event and a world junior event. Only seven people in the world have this set of unique titles. Huan Yua was the last. Her experienced Chinese colleague Fuming Sun can be (if she competes) an odd competitor 29-year old heavyweight has won silver at the world championships in Tokyo. Two Dutch women won the gold in the plus and open category. It’s seems to be ages ago. But we love to see giant clashes again.

Top favourites Sandra Köppen (GER) Ivis Dueñas (CUB) Maki Tsukuda (JPN) Tea Dongouzachvili (RUS) Hua Yuan (CHN)

Open Daima Beltran (CUB) Katrin Beinroth (GER) Midori Shintani (JPN) Karina Bryant (GBR) Eva Bisseni (FRA)