Tbilisi Grand Slam 2026Georgia

-48 kg: Beder Claims First Grand Slam Gold

Mar 20, 2026
by: Nicolas Messner
Gabriela Sabau, Tamara Kulumbegashvili
Everything seemed to be going according to plan for top seed Sabina Giliazova (RUS) until the semi-final, where she faced Tuğçe Beder (TUR), who had been in excellent form since the morning session. Already a grand slam finalist in Dushanbe in 2024, the Turkish judoka maintained her momentum and secured another final appearance at this level.
Final, Tugce Beder (TUR) vs Tara Babulfath (SWE).
Final, Tugce Beder (TUR) vs Tara Babulfath (SWE).

In the same half of the draw, Mary Dee Vargas Ley (CHI) saw her medal hopes come to an early end, exiting the competition sooner than expected.

As anticipated, in the bottom half of the draw, world and Olympic medallist Tara Babulfath (SWE) proved she had all the tools to reach the podium. By progressing to the final to face Beder, she guaranteed herself at least a silver medal.

Gold medallist, Tugce Beder (TUR).
Gold medallist, Tugce Beder (TUR).

Although Babulfath entered the final with a slight advantage, at least on paper, the reality proved quite different. In a tactical and closely contested bout, it was Tuğçe Beder who prevailed, on penalties in golden score, securing her very first grand slam gold medal.

Bronze medal contest, Marina Vorobeva (RUS) vs Sarah Ischt (GER).
Bronze medal contest, Marina Vorobeva (RUS) vs Sarah Ischt (GER).

In the first bronze medal contest, Marina Vorobeva (RUS) faced Sarah Ischt (GER). The contest was short-lived, as Vorobeva took control and secured victory quickly with an osaekomi for ippon.

Bronze medal contest, Eva Perez Soler (ESP) vs Sabina Giliazova (RUS).
Bronze medal contest, Eva Perez Soler (ESP) vs Sabina Giliazova (RUS).

The second bronze medal contest saw Sabina Giliazova (RUS) take on Eva Pérez Soler (ESP). It took only slightly longer for Giliazova to claim victory, throwing her opponent cleanly onto her back with a superb uchi-mata for ippon.

Medals, cheques and flowers were presented by Mr Marius Vizer, President of the International Judo Federation, and Mr Levan Nozadze, President of the Georgian Judo Federation.
Medals, cheques and flowers were presented by Mr Marius Vizer, President of the International Judo Federation, and Mr Levan Nozadze, President of the Georgian Judo Federation.

Competition Results

-48 kg

Final

Tugce BEDER
TUR
vs
Tara BABULFATH
SWE

Bronze Medal Contests

Marina VOROBEVA
RUS
vs
Sarah ISCHT
GER
Eva PEREZ SOLER
ESP
vs
Sabina GILIAZOVA
RUS
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