Daria Bilodid closer to world leading position after gold in Düsseldorf

Ukraine wonderkid Daria Bilodid got closer to the World leading position U48kg as she was again able to pick up a gold medal at a Grand Slam. In Düsseldorf she kept up her winning record as she has now won all three IJF events in 2018. How long will it take before she steps up to U52kg nobody knows, but with more than two years to go, a decision is expected this year.

The 17-year-old sensation had a razor sharp focus as she powered through the field before defeating seven-time Grand Slam medallist Csernoviczki Eva (HUN) in the -48kg final with an accomplished display. Csernoviczki is a standout and stalwart in the category and offered a stern test for the Ukrainian. Bilodid, who was coached by her mother, quickened the pace in golden score and caught Csernoviczki, who was coached by her father, with an uchi-mata for ippon. 

In the first semi-final Cancun Grand Prix silver medallist Edna Carrillo (MEX) lost out to Csernoviczki by wazari-awasette-ippon with the pick of the two scores being an opening sode-tsurikomi-goshi. In the second semi-final Bilodid rushed past world number 100 Erdenetsogt Gerelmaa (MGL) in the first minute with a textbook uchi-mata.

The first bronze medal contest was won by world number five Milica Nikolic (SRB) who secured her sixth Grand Slam medal. Serbia won the first ever Düsseldorf Grand Slam medal in the opening contest of the final block on day one in Germany as Nikolic threw Erdenetsogt, who was competing at a Grand Slam for the second time, for a waza-ari after three minutes of golden score.

The second bronze medal was won by Ekaterinburg Grand Slam bronze medallist Melanie Clement (FRA) after Carrillo was penalised for a cross-grip in golden score. The Mexican defended well against the busier Frenchwoman but was second best in golden score which ended after three minutes of additional time when Carrillo received her third and final shido.