On the third and final day of the Zagreb Grand Prix 2024, Europe guaranteed three of the five available gold medals, but first up and looking for his first Grand Prix win was Hungary’s junior sensation, SAFRANY Peter. Safrany has made a strong move on to the senior circuit and claimed a Grand Slam bronze in 2023, but now in a new Olympiad he will be chasing down the legend of TOTH Krisztian.
Standing in his way was Marcelo FRONCKOWIAK (BRA) who was equally as bold in the -90kg final, attempting some huge ura nage techniques, but on one occasion he faltered, allowing Safrany to take advantage in ne waza, immediately transitioning to hold down his opponent. A huge celebration ensued as Safrany left the tatami to coach and former heavyweight of Team Hungary, BOR Barna.
It as somewhat a surprise to see Sanne VAN DIJKE (NED) in the -78kg category, nevertheless the unseeded major medallist came through the category to face Karla PRODAN (CRO) in the final. It was a great display of strength and endurance from the pair, which eventually ended in a shido battle, until hanosuku make was awarded to Prodan for a ‘grape vine’ on the leg.
For the second time this weekend, Great Britain found themselves with a finalist in the men’s categories, this time Rhys THOMPSON was looking for gold, against Anton SAVYTSKIY (UKR). Just over two minutes in to the contest, Savytskiy put himself ahead, scoring waza ari with ko uchi gari, and managed to keep the lead to secure his gold medal in Zagreb.
France’s Coralie HAYME helped to send her team in to the second place in the medal table, following Japan. A gold medal was awarded to Hayme in the +78kg final against Yuli Alma MISHINER (ISR), a huge o soto gari scored waza ari and she directly transitioned in to yoko shiho gatame for ten seconds and adding to her collection, her first gold medal on the IJF World Judo Tour. This may come as a slight surprise given her success in both Masters and Grand Slam events!
Concluding the Grand Prix were the men’s +100kg contenders; NAKANO Kanta (JPN) and Grzegorz TERESINSKI (POL). It would appear that Teresinksi has had a confidence boost, following a world-class performance in the Madrid European Open, surprising Teddy RINER (FRA) in the final in the opening moments. Realising his potential looked to serve him today as he seemed unstoppable, that was of course until the final. Teresinski made the mistake of not committing to a drop seoi nage attempt, and tried to turn back out, but Nakano was not about to let that opportunity pass him by and he countered the Polish athlete with te waza, this only scored him waza ari but in the following exchange he wrapped up the contest to put Japan at the top of the medal table.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen