Leiva Sanchez and Gyertyas set for another U52kg clash

The IJF World Tour returns to Austria this weekend with the Grand Prix Upper Austria in Linz, staged in the TIPS Arena. With a large field of competitors and several intriguing match-ups across the draw, the opening day already promises high-level judo.

On day one the categories in action are men’s U60kg and U66kg, alongside the women’s U48kg, U52kg and U57kg divisions. According to the current registration lists, the numbers are impressive: 34 athletes in U60kg, 47 in U66kg, 27 competitors in both the women’s U48kg and U52kg categories, and 40 in U57kg. Overall, the tournament counts 482 athletes, a strong turnout even if it does not quite reach the record of 528 competitors set during the Olympic year in 2024.

One of the most interesting storylines in the women’s U52kg category could revolve around a potential clash between Ayumi Leiva Sanchez of Spain and Hungary’s Roza Gyertyas.

The two athletes already met twice earlier this year and on both occasions Gyertyas came out on top. Their first meeting came at the European Championships in Podgorica, followed by another encounter at the World Championships in Budapest. In both contests the Hungarian controlled the match and secured the victory, giving her a psychological edge if they meet again in Linz.

Gyertyas arrives in Austria with growing confidence. The Hungarian judoka captured bronze at the 2025 World Championships in Budapest and has steadily built a strong international record. Earlier in her career she took silver at the Grand Prix in Linz in 2023, meaning she already knows how to perform well in this arena.

Leiva Sanchez, representing Spain after switching from Cuba, is equally ambitious. The dynamic U52kg athlete has enjoyed an impressive run of results over the past two seasons. She won silver at the 2025 Grand Prix in Guadalajara last year and collected medals at major events such as the Grand Slam in Tashkent and Astana. She also secured bronze at the Paris Grand Slam earlier this year and was European U23 champion in 2024.

Spain arrives in Linz with a competitive delegation and Leiva Sanchez could be one of the main contenders for the podium. After two recent defeats against Gyertyas, however, the Spaniard will certainly be eager to turn the rivalry around. Their third meeting of the year could become one of the standout contests of the opening day.

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