Wakana Koga continues to win at first Grand Prix in new cycle

The first day of the Zagreb Grand Prix saw an impressive display of judo talent, with Japan’s Wakana Koga emerging victorious in the -48 category. Koga, a seasoned judoka with a wealth of experience, showcased her prowess and determination in the final match. Ranked 16th in the world, Koga’s resume includes being the junior world champion in 2019, a senior world silver medallist in 2021, and a bronze medallist in 2023. Her accolades also include a gold medal from the World Judo Masters in Hungary in 2023. Given her formidable background, it was no surprise to see her reach the final in Zagreb.

Koga's journey to the final was flawless, and she took control of the match against Galiya Tynbayeva (KAZ) after a somewhat tentative start. Koga's tactical approach soon became evident as she executed a well-timed o-uchi-gari for waza-ari. She followed up with a decisive ippon, pinning Tynbayeva to claim the first gold medal of the 2024 Grand Prix in Zagreb for Japan.

Tynbayeva, who had arrived in Zagreb with considerable confidence following her home victory at the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam 2024, had an impressive run leading up to the final. She won her opening match against Giulia Ghiglione (ITA) with a well-timed counter, then defeated Anais Perrot (FRA) in the subsequent round after Perrot received a third penalty. Tynbayeva’s semi-final performance against Rebeka Rita Koszegi (HUN) was dominant, securing her place in the final as anticipated.

In the battle for bronze, Anais Perrot (FRA) and Jacqueline Springer (AUT) took to the tatami. Perrot quickly made her mark with a waza-ari from a low seoi-otoshi. Although the initial throw did not achieve a full landing, it set up her second waza-ari with a similar technique, earning her the bronze medal.

The second bronze medal was contested between Amber Gersjes (NED) and Rebeka Rita Koszegi (HUN). After a full four minutes of regulation time, the match proceeded into golden score. With both judokas having received one shido each, Koszegi was penalised a second time 1 minute and 40 seconds into the extra period. Gersjes capitalised on the opportunity with an uchi-mata, securing a bronze medal with a clean 90-degree landing.