On the second day of the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam 2023, the only athlete from Europe to take gold was Elisavet TELTSIDOU of Greece. This was the third Grand Slam title for the Greek representative after triumphs in Abu Dhabi and Tbilisi within the past 12 months and though she went in to this tournament as world ranked #9, she will jumping a few spots afterwards.
Teltsidou was off to a strong start defeating the home pick, Roza NYSSANTAIKYZY in the second round within 15 seconds. Incredibly she repeated this 15 seconds success in her quarter final against Serafima MOSCALU (ROU), and again with a forceful o goshi attack. Eventually, she was tested in the semi against Yingying FEMA (CHN), and although Teltsidou scored waza ari with some reactive ashi waza, it was a third shido to Fema that put the Greek athlete in to the final against number one seed, Sanne VAN DIJKE (NED).
As expected, this was no easy feat and the pair went in to golden score, holding two shidos each. After almost two minutes in extra time, Teltsidou capitalised on a weak attack from Van Dijke and countered her for the win and gold medal.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen