Europe finished the Upper Austria Grand Prix 2026 in Linz on a strong note, collecting 14 medals on the final day and bringing the continental total to an impressive 38 of the 56 medals on offer. While Japan maintained its position at the top of the overall medal table, the European contingent can look back on a highly satisfying weekend, demonstrating both depth and quality across multiple weight categories.
The final block of day three began with the -90kg bronze medal contests, where Maxime-Gaël Ngayap Hambou (FRA) secured a podium place against Aaron Santamaria Rodriguez (ESP). However, the real story of the category belonged to Tato Grigalashvili (GEO). The undisputed master of the -81kg division ventured up a category and delivered a masterclass. Competing with both flair and tactical intelligence, the three-time senior world champion looked completely at ease despite the step up in weight.
The final produced an all-Georgian clash spanning two generations, with Grigalashvili facing junior world champion Luka Javakhishvili (GEO). The contest began cautiously and after 90 seconds Grigalashvili received a shido, a moment that appeared to ignite the champion. From then on, he imposed relentless pressure. A yuko score followed, then two penalties forced against his younger teammate before the senior star secured victory with a hold-down. It was a clear demonstration of experience and a reminder that the transition from junior to senior success is rarely straightforward.
In the -78kg category, Europe celebrated three medals, though the gold travelled to Marie Branser (GUI). In the final she faced Lieke Derks (NED), already a two-time Grand Prix medallist. Branser opened aggressively, while Derks attempted to control the exchanges through transitions into ne-waza, forcing the Guinean judoka to remain cautious. Midway through the contest, Branser’s renewed attacks began drawing penalties from Derks, placing the Dutch athlete under pressure.
The bout moved into golden score but Branser remained composed. Just 30 seconds into extra time she launched a decisive seoi-otoshi, scoring for victory. The result marked her first World Judo Tour gold medal and the first Grand Prix gold in history for Guinea. Silver for Derks whilst the bronze medals went to Yuliia Kurchenko (UKR), who defeated Coralie Godbout (CAN), and Metka Lobnik (SLO), who overcame Beatriz Freitas (BRA).
In the -100kg category, Anton Savytskiy (UKR) continued a remarkable run of form. With limited appearances over the past year but victories in Tbilisi and Mongolia, plus silver in Paris, the Ukrainian arrived in Linz with momentum and maintained it throughout the day. Reaching his fourth final in four events, Savytskiy faced Kou Nakayama (JPN), a 22-year-old making his mark on the World Judo Tour.
Nakayama attempted to engage early but Savytskiy dictated the exchanges from the start. Closing the distance decisively, the Ukrainian launched a powerful opening attack and threw for ippon in the first exchange, securing yet another World Judo Tour gold. Nakayama nevertheless leaves Linz with a promising silver medal in his debut final. Within the same category, double world champion Jorge Fonseca (POR) claimed bronze by defeating Robert Florentino (DOM).
The +78kg category belonged to Raz Hershko (ISR), whose résumé already includes Olympic and world medals alongside an extensive collection of World Judo Tour podium finishes. In the final she faced Giovanna Santos (BRA), a three-time Grand Prix bronze medallist seeking her first gold.
Santos stepped onto the tatami determined to challenge the favourite and both athletes accumulated penalties through a series of unsuccessful attacks. Hershko then altered her approach, shifting the contest to groundwork. Maintaining control of Santos’ sleeve after an exchange, she transitioned into a submission that forced the tap, earning ippon and the gold medal. Bronze medals in the category were secured by Yuli Alma Mishiner (ISR) and Emma-Melis Aktas (EST).
The final contest of the evening came in the +100kg category, which had already delivered one of the biggest surprises of the day when top seed Guram Tushishvili (GEO) was eliminated early. His defeat opened the door for a new name to emerge and Ibrahim Tataroglu (TUR) seized the opportunity. The 20-year-old Turkish judoka, responsible for eliminating the Georgian star, continued his remarkable run all the way to the final.
Awaiting him was the more experienced Jur Spijkers (NED). Despite the difference in accolades, Tataroglu showed no hesitation. Attacking relentlessly, he maintained pressure until unleashing a powerful maki-komi that scored ippon and secured his first World Judo Tour gold medal. Starting his day with a statement victory and ending it with a gold medal, Tataroglu was undoubtedly one of the standout performers of the final day. Dzhamal Gamzatkhanov (AZE) secured one of the bronze medals in the category.
With that, the curtain falls on a thrilling weekend in Linz. The IJF World Judo Tour now moves on to Tbilisi, Georgia, where the next Grand Slam event will take place 20–22 March.
Source: IJF/Jo Crowley. Images: IJF/ Gabriela Sabau
Author: Szandra Szogedi