Japan's Natsumi Tsunoda pressed her Tokyo 2020 claims with victory in the under-52kg category at the IJF Grand Prix in Zagreb ©IJF

Five nations shared five golds on day one of the International Judo Federation (IJF) Grand Prix in Zagreb, the final event before next month’s World Championships.

Former world silver medallist Natsumi Tsunoda kept her name in the frame to represent Japan in the under-52 kilograms category in next year’s Tokyo Games as she beat Asian Games silver medallist Park Da-sol of South Korea.

Tsunoda is behind world champion Abe Uta and world silver medallist Shishime Ai in terms of Tokyo 2020 selection and did not make the team for the imminent World Championships.

But the way in which she disposed of a talented opponent will not have escaped the selectors’ attention.

Bronzes were claimed by Britain’s European Games bronze medallist Chelsie Giles and Belgium’s Charline Van Snick.

Kazakhstan’s Olympic bronze medallist Otgontsetseg Galbadrakh emerged triumphant after a prolonged battle with Tbilisi Grand Prix winner Melanie Clement of France in the under-48kg final.

After the pair had contested victory for more than 10 minutes on the tatami – and four and a half minutes into golden score time – Galbadrakh found the way to win.

Li Yanan of China and Gulkader Senturk of Turkey took bronze.

Britain's Ashley McKenzie was disqualified for a third shido penalty 15 seconds from the end of his under-60kg final at the IJF Grand Prix in Zagreb ©IJF
Britain's Ashley McKenzie was disqualified for a third shido penalty 15 seconds from the end of his under-60kg final at the IJF Grand Prix in Zagreb ©IJF

Osaka Grand Slam winner Jessica Klimkait of Canada defeated Paris Grand Slam bronze medallist Tamaoki Momo of Japan for the second time to win under-57kg gold.

Nekoda Smythe-Davis of Britain and Eteri Liparteliani of Georgia took bronze.

Britain’s Ashley McKenzie suffered bitter disappointment with 15 seconds remaining in his under-60kg men’s final against Uzbekistan’s Sharafuddin Lutfillaev when he was judged to have been passive and thus incurred his third shido.

Until that moment the Briton, who is seeking a third consecutive Olympic representation next year, appeared on the verge of his first Grand Prix gold at the 37th attempt.

Tomer Golomb of Poland and Mongolia’s Ariunbold Enkhtaivan won bronze.

In the men’s under-66kg category, Antalya Grand Prix bronze medallist Alberto Gaitero Martin won his first IJF gold medal in style as he bested Paris Grand Slam winner Denis Vieru of Moldova with a sumptuous ippon-seoi-nage.

Bronze medals went to Kilian Le Blouch of France and Tumurkhuleg Davaadorj of Mongolia.