Tbilisi Grand Slam 2026Georgia

-70 kg: Taimazova’s Control Makes the Difference

Mar 21, 2026
by: Nicolas Messner
Gabriela Sabau, Tamara Kulumbegashvili
There was no shortage of intensity or surprise in the -70 kg category, beginning with the early exit of top seed Lara Cvjetko (CRO), who was eliminated in the first round by Margit De Voogd (NED). De Voogd was unable to build on that result, however, as she was defeated in the next round by Aleksandra Andric (SRB).
Final, Madina Taimazova (RUS) vs Aoife Coughlan (AUS).
Final, Madina Taimazova (RUS) vs Aoife Coughlan (AUS).

The Serbian judoka’s run came to an end against Olympic medallist Madina Taimazova (IJF) who, with her trademark flexibility, progressed to the final. Unseeded at the start of the day, she demonstrated her ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.

Much was expected of world champion Shiho Tanaka (JPN). After a demanding opening contest against France’s Melkia Auchecorne (FRA), who pushed her to the limit, Tanaka was eventually defeated by the powerful Portuguese judoka Tais Pina who imposed her physical strength throughout the contest.

Gold medallist, Madina Taimazova (RUS).
Gold medallist, Madina Taimazova (RUS).

In the end, it was Aoife Coughlan (AUS) who emerged from the bottom half of the draw, delivering a strong and consistent performance to secure her place in the final alongside Taimazova. The Russian judoka is known for her ability to remain unyielding under pressure and Coughlan struggled to find a solution. Taimazova eventually took the advantage with a yuko from a backward-driven soei-otoshi, maintaining control until the end of the contest. This is her fourth grand slam gold medal.

Bronze medal contest, Ida Eriksson (SWE) and Tais Pina (POR).
Bronze medal contest, Ida Eriksson (SWE) and Tais Pina (POR).

Ida Eriksson (SWE) and Tais Pina (POR) contested the first bronze medal match. It proved to be a long and tactical contest with Eriksson eventually prevailing through superior control and discipline.

Bronze medal contest, Shiho Tanaka (JPN) vs Aleksandra Andric (SRB).
Bronze medal contest, Shiho Tanaka (JPN) vs Aleksandra Andric (SRB).

Shiho Tanaka (JPN) and Aleksandra Andric (SRB) faced off in the second bronze medal contest. As in the first, the outcome was decided by tactics, with Tanaka securing the medal through a composed and strategic performance.

Medals, cheques and flowers were presented by Ms Yuri Alvear, Member of the IJF Sport Commission, Education Director of the Panamerican Judo Confederation and Three time World Champion, and Mr Shota Javakhadze, International Relation Department Director.
Medals, cheques and flowers were presented by Ms Yuri Alvear, Member of the IJF Sport Commission, Education Director of the Panamerican Judo Confederation and Three time World Champion, and Mr Shota Javakhadze, International Relation Department Director.

Competition Results

-70 kg

Final

Madina TAIMAZOVA
RUS
vs
Aoife COUGHLAN
AUS

Bronze Medal Contests

Ida ERIKSSON
SWE
vs
Tais PINA
POR
Shiho TANAKA
JPN
vs
Aleksandra ANDRIC
SRB
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