Canada on the edge of the judo seat for clash of giants

The first day of the Grand Slam in Tel Aviv delivers a juicy final for women U57kg where the two Canadian top rivals have reached the block. It all began today at the Shlomo Arena and will be worth tuning into for all judo fans and even sport lovers from beyond the tatami.

Christa Deguchi reached the quarterfinal U57kg via two victories whilst her compatriot Jessica Klimkait reach the quarter final after her victory afainst Sofia winner Ivelina Ilieva (BUL). In the semi final Deguchi advanced over Daria Bilodid. who bested Nelson Levy. Both Canadians were separated and Jessica Klimkait was the sevond to qualify for the final after her victory in the golden score against Rafaela Silva of Brazil. With both players having two penalties it was Klimkait who showed a bit more offensive after nine minutes of fight.

Furthermore in this highly competitive category Pool D includes double world champion Rafaela Silva (BRA), not forgetting her Olympic gold and two further world medals. Silva was the opponent for Klimkait in the semi final in a tough final that went equal.

Pool B was something very different indeed. Five world medallists line up against just a handful of other judoka whom have never medalled at that level: Smythe-Davis (GBR), Kowalczyk (POL), Monteiro (POR), Yoshida and Bilodid. The latter meanwhile defeated Yoshida. Nelson Levy defeated Smythe Davis. Also top player Telma Monteiro is out of the competition after she lost to Veronica Toniolo (ITA). Marica Perisic (SRB) was another victim of the prelims.