Tbilisi Grand Slam 2026Georgia

+78 kg: Hershko Turns the Final Around

Mar 22, 2026
by: Nicolas Messner
Gabriela Sabau, Tamara Kulumbegashvili
The hierarchy was fully respected in the +78 kg category. Top seed Raz Hershko (ISR) delivered an impeccable performance, progressing to the final with authority.
Final, Raz Hershko (ISR) vs Lea Fontaine (FRA).
Final, Raz Hershko (ISR) vs Lea Fontaine (FRA).

She opened with a waza-ari victory over Rochele Nunes (POR) with a left-sided sode-tsuri-komi-goshi, followed by another waza-ari m, against Mariia Ivanova (IJF) with seoi-otoshi. In the semi-final, she overcame Célia Cancan (FRA), scoring a waza-ari first before finishing the contest on the ground.

On the other side of the draw, Léa Fontaine (FRA) cleared her path convincingly to reach the final. She began with a solid win against Poland’s Emilia Gonsior, before defeating Tina Radić (CRO) and then Asya Tavano (ITA) to secure her place in the final.

Gold medallist, Raz Hershko (ISR).
Gold medallist, Raz Hershko (ISR).

In the final, Fontaine was initially penalised for being less active but she turned the situation in her favour fast, scoring a waza-ari with o-uchi-gari. As the contest entered the final minute, Hershko continued to apply relentless pressure. Confident in her strength, Fontaine was waiting but was caught by a powerful o-soto-otoshi, landing flat on her back. It was ippon and gold for Raz Hershko.

Bronze medal contest, Mariia Ivanova (RUS) vs Asya Tavano (ITA).
Bronze medal contest, Mariia Ivanova (RUS) vs Asya Tavano (ITA).

The first bronze medal contest featured Mariia Ivanova (IJF) against Asya Tavano (ITA). After just one minute, Tavano took control, scoring a yuko with a makikomi and maintaining her advantage until the end to claim the bronze medal.

Bronze medal contest, Erica Simonetti (ITA) vs Celia Cancan (FRA).
Bronze medal contest, Erica Simonetti (ITA) vs Celia Cancan (FRA).

Erica Simonetti (ITA) offered Italy another chance of a medal as she faced Célia Cancan (FRA), who was also aiming to add to France’s medal tally. Midway through the contest, Cancan held a slight advantage, fewer penalties than her opponent. After an extended groundwork exchange, she eventually forced Simonetti to submit, securing her first grand slam medal.

Medals, cheques and flowers were presented by Mr Vladimer Nutsubidze, Referee Supervisor of the International Judo Federation, and Dr Zurab Kakhabrishvili, Head Doctor of the Olympic Team of Georgia & Member of the Medical Commission of the European Judo Union.
Medals, cheques and flowers were presented by Mr Vladimer Nutsubidze, Referee Supervisor of the International Judo Federation, and Dr Zurab Kakhabrishvili, Head Doctor of the Olympic Team of Georgia & Member of the Medical Commission of the European Judo Union.

Competition Results

+78 kg

Final

Raz HERSHKO
ISR
vs
Lea FONTAINE
FRA

Bronze Medal Contests

Mariia IVANOVA
RUS
vs
Asya TAVANO
ITA
Erica SIMONETTI
ITA
vs
Celia CANCAN
FRA
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