Baasankuu Bavuudorj in the winning mood

Asian Games winner Baasankuu Bavuudorj from Mongolia showcased her judo prowess in each of her contests, defeating her opponents with precision and skill. From securing an armlock victory against Esposito from Malta to executing a flawless uchi-mata against Guo from China, Bavuudorj demonstrated her versatility on the tatami. Even in a tightly contested match against Perez Soler, she emerged victorious through penalties, earning her a spot in the semifinals against Slovenian judoka Tugce Beder.

In the first bronze medal fight, Moiseeva faced off against last year's winner Marusa Stangar. Despite Stangar's formidable defense, a determined ne-waza sequence by Moiseeva led to a submission, securing her a historic World Judo Tour medal at just 21 years old. This achievement marks the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career, captivating judo fans worldwide.

The second bronze medal bout featured a dynamic exchange between competitors from Portugal and Serbia. Costa and Nikolic engaged in a flurry of attacks, with Nikolic ultimately emerging victorious due to Costa's head-diving action resulting in a premature end to the contest. Nikolic's precise adherence to the rules earned her a well-deserved place on the podium.

In the final showdown, Bavuudorj faced off against Beder, with both judokas displaying relentless determination. Despite Beder's aggressive tomoe-nage attempts, Bavuudorj countered with left-sided seoi-otoshi attacks, eventually outmaneuvering her opponent to secure her first-ever grand slam gold medal. Bavuudorj's victory was a testament to her resilience and skill, earning her a well-deserved smile as she clinched the top spot on the podium.

Meanwhile, Milica Nikolic from Serbia showcased her dominance on the tatami, dispatching her opponents with ease en route to the semifinals. Despite facing stiff competition from Beder, Nikolic's composure and skill allowed her to secure a spot in the final, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown.

On the other side of the draw, Catarina Costa from Portugal displayed a strong performance, fueled by her recent bronze medal at the Europeans. However, she faced a formidable opponent in Marusa Stangar, the reigning Dushanbe Grand Prix gold medalist. Despite Stangar's determination to defend her title, she fell short of reaching the final, marking the end of a potential fairytale comeback.

As the competition unfolded, each judoka showcased their exceptional skill and determination, captivating audiences with their dynamic performances on the tatami.