Japanese youngster Yoshida beats Olympic finalist Caprioriu in final

In the final of the Grand Slam of Tyumen Yoshida Tsukasa (JPN) defeated World Judo Masters bronze medallist Corina Caprioriu of Romanian, who turned 29 today. Yoshida, Tokyo Grand Slam bronze medallist who is just 19, is one of a plethora of Japanese riches in the category including the reigning world and Olympic champions and was competing in only her second senior IJF event.

Yoshida initially attacked with a kosoto-gari and drove the Romanian over towards the edge of the tatami to take the lead and after four minutes that was enough to win her first Grand Slam title.

In the first semi-final Caprioriu showed her desire to celebrate her birthday by winning in Tyumen. The Romanian was successful against world bronze medallist Sanne Verhagen (NED) in the semi-final by a yuko in a close contest where both judoka traded shido penalties. In the second semi-final Yoshida ended the title defence of 2014 Tyumen Grand Slam winner Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard (CAN) in golden score. Yoshida sealed her place in the -57kg final with a yuko score after 79 seconds of extra time.

The first bronze medal was won by Beauchemin –Pinard who was successful against Beijing 2008 Olympic champion Giulia Quintavalle (ITA) by ippon in the third minute. The second bronze medal was won by beaten semi-finalist Verhagen who came back to form for the Netherlands by triumphing again against 35-year-old stalwart Sabrina Filzmoser (AUT) by a waza-ari which was the only score of the contest.