Charles Chibana of Brazil and Great Britain's Colin Oates claimed the two bronze medals.

In the final event of the day, Laetitia Blot earned France's second victory when she produced two waza-ari to hold off German opponent Miryam Roper and win the under 57kg division despite seeming on the back foot for much of the contest.

But in a continuation of their strong sporting year, Russia kept pace with the French as Irina Dolgova triumphed in the 48kg category before Beslan Mudranov won the men's under 60kg division.

Both fighters claimed victories with superbly taken ippons.

Beslan Mudranov (second from left) led the podium in the men's 60kg division ©IJF


If Mudranov was most dominant in producing a succession of throws to see off Kazakhstan's Yeldos Smetov, Dolgava's victory was the most poignant considering the ongoing political situation, as she beat Ukrainian judoka Maryna Cherniak.

The other event on day one, the women's under 52kg event, was won unsurprisingly by Kosovo's reigning world champion Majlinda Kelmendi as she comfortably defeated Odetta Giuffrida of Italy.

Andreea Chitu of Romania and Romy Tarangul of Germany secured the two bronze medals. 

The competition, which is the fourth leg of the World Tour, will continue over the weekend and come to a conclusion with the heaviest weight categories on Sunday (March 30).

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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