Van Dijke new number one U70kg

The recent Tokyo Grand Slam has left an indelible mark on the IJF World Ranking, resulting in intriguing shifts and affirmations in various weight categories. In the U70kg weight division Sanne Van Dijke from the Netherlands emerges at the forefront of the U70 kg category, commanding the top position with 7243 points. Saki Niizoe of Japan secures the second place coming from the leading spot, while Elisavet Teltsidou from Greece maintains her presence in the third position.

Van Dijke is clearly on the hunt for that major title win at a world championships or Olympic Games, which is fast approaching for the Tokyo Games bronze medallist, but she already bagged a serious prize or two in 2023.

Early in August, Van Dijke secured her IJF Masters glory with a title win in Hungary, defeating the likes of world silver medallist, Lara Cvjetko (CRO) current world champion Niizoe Saki (JPN) and finally a rising star in this category, Elisavet Teltsidou (GRE). Van Dijke’s second superstar win was a great finish to the IJF World Tour, a gold medal in the Tokyo Grand Slam.

The 28 year-old, who has been dominating for some time now, is already registered for the 50th edition of the Paris Grand Slam in February.

U48kg no big changes/ Assunta Scutto from Italy continues her undisputed dominance, maintaining the top position. Shirine Boukli of France secures the second spot and Natsumi Tsunoda representing Japan retains her third-place position, reflecting her winning performance in Japan.

Distria Krasniqi from Kosovo maintains her exceptional lead in the U52kg category, impressively amassing 8300 points. Quadruple Tokyo winner Uta Abe is now ranked eighth.  Diyora Keldiyorova of Uzbekistan is still ranked second, Amandine Buchard from France is third.

Christa Deguchi of Canada continues her reign at the summit of the U57kg category, demonstrating remarkable consistency and skill, commanding an impressive 8395 points. Her rival Jessica Klimkait from Canada is second now at a bigger distance, while Rafaela Silva of Brazil maintains her presence in the third spot.

Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard also representing Canada holds the top spot in the U63kg but rivals are approaching. Miku Takaichi from Japan now secures the third spot after winning the Grand Slam.

The Europeans still dominate U78kg despite a Brazilian victory for Mayra Aguira. Alice Bellandi of Italy is still leading the division. Inbar Lanir of Israel trails closely in the second position, Audrey Tcheumeo of France maintains her third-place standing. Aguiar moves up to rank five after that stunning gold for the first time.

Heavyweight Romane Dicko from France solidifies her lead in the O78kg category. Raz Hershko is stable at two while Hayun Kim from Korea is in the third spot. There are three French in the top 10 here.

After 25 December there will be another release of the World Ranking with the decreased points of the IJF Masters in Tel Aviv of last year.