Kanae Yamabe winks to the world top with gold plaque in Tyumen

World number six Kanae Yamabe Kanae of Japan was the leading woman in the heavyweight category of the Grand Slam in Tyumen as she sealed gold by defeating world bronze medallist Lee Jung Eun (KOR). Paris Grand Slam winner Yamabe who is going to her first World Championships next month, was too strong for Jeju Grand Prix silver medallist Lee, who is best known for her unexpected bronze medal at the last World Championships. The 23-year old Japanese threw her more experienced opponent as she stepped through with her hip in contact with Lee to win by ippon in the second minute.

In the first semi-final Lee overshadowed world silver medallist Maria Suelen Altheman (BRA). Lee went ahead with a yuko and doubled her advantage as her Brazilian rival could not unlock the defence of the hard-working fighter from South Korea. In the second semi-final Yamabe went up against Asian newcomer Gao Man (CHN) who saw an uchi-mata effort countered for ippon after one minute of action.

The first bronze medal was won by Tokyo Grand Slam bronze medallist Qin Qian of China who conquered Gao on shido penalties with one against the former and three against the latter. The second bronze medal was won by Altheman who beat German Ulaanbaatar Grand Prix bronze medallist Jasmin Kuelbs with a loose harai-goshi securing ippon after 55 seconds.