First Japanese victory U63kg in Paris in ten years

The last final of the first day of the Grand Slam in Paris was also a 100% Japanese as Masako Doi, bronze medallist here in Paris two years ago and Nami Nabekura, 2015 junior world champion, qualified to determine gold and silver.

Once again the final U63kg was very tactical, both athletes knowing the other too well to be able to find throwing opportunities. In the end, as announced, Japan won and it was Nami Nabekura.

Lucy Renshall (GBR) was the top seed competitor of the day in the category, but she had to work for bronze only, against Polish Angelika Szymanska, who already won a bronze medal here in Paris last October. Unfortunately for the British athlete, Szymanska added a second bronze medal in a row in Paris.

The Netherlands had one medal guaranteed as Sanne Vermeer (NED) and Geke Van Den Berg (NED) were qualified for the second bronze medal contest. Despite Van Den Berg having a really good day, the bronze medal was a little out of reach and it eventually went to her teammate Sanne Vermeer, who scored ippon.

Japan won four titles on day one of the 2022 Paris Grand Slam, putting them far ahead on the medal table. Despite this domination, which is not surprising looking at the level of the Japanese armada, France, Mongolia and Georgia also won their gold medal, while nine countries reached the podium and 22 the final block.

Victories in Paris U63kg since 2012: