Sylvia Hackel secured a world title at the international masters competition, contributing to a medal-winning performance by German judoka across various weight classes. The tournament showcased high-level tactical exchanges, decisive ground techniques, and fierce battles in the overtime periods on the mat.
Gold Medal Performances Led by Hackel, Zahl, and Rößler
Joining her at the top of the podium, Christina Zahl claimed the F2 -78 kg world title through sharp tactical execution. Zahl secured her opening victory in just one minute utilizing a textbook hold-down technique (osaekomi-waza). In her second contest, she advanced without fighting after her opponent was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury sustained in the preliminary round.
Meanwhile, Nadine Rößler delivered a dominant run to capture the F4 -57 kg gold medal. Rößler opened her tournament with a waza-ari score followed immediately by a decisive strangulation technique (shime-waza). She made quick work of her second opponent, ending the bout with an ippon in just 39 seconds. Her toughest test came in the third match, which extended into golden score overtime. Rößler secured the decisive yuko score in the extra period to claim the world title.
Podium Finishes and Hard-Fought Silver and Bronze
Jessica Eschenauer narrowly missed the top step of the podium, earning the title of vice-world champion in the F2 -70 kg division. After receiving a walkover in the pool final, Eschenauer advanced through the semifinal with a waza-ari score. In a dramatic final, she controlled much of the action before conceding a late yuko score in the final seconds of the bout to settle for the silver medal.
The German delegation added two bronze medals to their tally. Fabienne Binder secured third place in the F1 -48 kg category, while Marion Velten earned bronze in the F4 -70 kg division following consistent performances throughout the tournament rounds.
Placings and Depth in the Women’s Brackets
Beyond the medalists, several German athletes secured valuable top-eight finishes against international competition. The women’s contingent recorded four fourth-place finishes, highlighted by Caterina Sariczki in the F3 -70 kg class, Julia Müller in the F3 +78 kg division, Sylvia Foerch in the F4 -57 kg category, and Simone Glenz in the F4 -70 kg bracket.
Additional scoring finishes included Daniela Kortmann taking fifth place in the F2 -57 kg category, rounding out a comprehensive team effort at the global championship.
