+78 kg: Victory for Vukovic

Final: Raz Hershko (ISR) vs Helena Vukovic (CRO)

Helena Vukovic gripped excellently to neutralise Hershko’s usual attacks but Raz has other strings to her bow. She began to mix up the techniques, adding ashi-waza to the mix and coming close to taking a lead just a minute before the end. Vukovic escaped, just, and so the stalemate, albeit a dynamic one, continued.

Vukovic made the most of the additional time afforded to them in golden score. She raised the pace and attacked more frequently, forcing penalties against Hershko which eventually totalled three, signifying the end of the contest. Hershko, the favourite, had a new silver medal, while Helena Vukovic, having played an excellent strategy, had her first grand slam gold medal.

“I’m feeling really happy with my first grand slam gold medal, especially after getting my first win over an amazing opponent, staying focused and executing our tactics,” said Helena Vukovic. “It lifts a huge weight off my shoulders to start my Olympic qualification with such a strong result. I always love competing in Abu Dhabi and I'm super excited to head to Zagreb next for the grand prix, to perform in front of our incredibly supportive home crowd.”

Bronze medal contest: Giovanna Santos (BRA) vs Asya Tavano (ITA)

With Italy hunting two bronze medals, each of their final block competitors was keen not to fall behind. Asya tavano began very well, resisting an attack from Giovanna Santos and transitioning directly into an osaekomi situation. She held her opponent for the full 20 seconds to earn a solid win and a new World Judo Tour medal.

Bronze medal contest: Madina Kaisinova (AZE) vs Erica Simonetti (ITA)

Simonetti began with a high pace, a difficult opponent to slow down. She built momentum and scored twice, a yuko each time, the first from a well placed seoi-otoshi.

Having seen her teammate win the first bronze medal of the category, additional motivation drove her through the remaining time and she defended perfectly, remaining positive throughout. Italy takes two beronze medals in this group as well as one at -90 kg; a very good day indeed.