In an electrifying 20-second victory, Israeli judoka Timna Nelson Levy won the gold medal at the Tel Aviv Grand Slam on Thursday night, beating France's Sarah Leonie Cysique in the 57-kilogram (126-pound) weight class.
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It was the second medal for the host Israeli team after Gili Cohen took the silver in the 52 kilogram (115-pound) weight class.
Nelson Levy had the perfect morning. She began her first day in the second round by defeating Turkish rival Ozlem Yildiz in a wazari and advanced to the quarterfinals. Later, she defeated Kaja Kajzer of Slovenia by ippon and advanced to the semifinals, where she met Georgia's Eteri Liparteliani, who she overcame with a wazari at the very last minute.
Nelson Levy said after her victory: "It's fun to win the gold, certainly here in Israel. It's just a shame there are no fans in the stands, because we have the best in the world. But we feel their love and warmth. I've competed against [Cysique] in the past and lost. It's simply a joy for me."
Some 421 competitors from 60 countries are competing in the Tel Aviv Grand Slam, organizers said. Competitors arriving from foreign countries were given special exemptions from a travel ban imposed by Israel during the COVID-19 pandemic, but must adhere to strict safety protocols.
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