Montréal, February 1, 2025 – Canada’s Evelyn Beaton competed in her very first career Grand Slam on Saturday in Paris. And although she was limited to only one bout in the under-52 kg weight category, she nevertheless learned a great deal during her experience in the French capital.
In her first bout of the day, Beaton, who hails from Alberta, was pitted against local fan favourite Astride Gneto of France. Gneto clinched the match with two waza-ari.
“Evelyn had a tough draw. Also, she may have found it a bit daunting to be here in Paris for her very first Grand Slam, and that may have held her back,” said national team coach Antoine Valois-Fortier. “There are certain things she’ll have to learn how to handle. It wasn’t her best fight ever, but it’s all part of the learning process, and she’ll be back.”
Gneto was eliminated in the next round by Japan’s Kisumi Omori, who went on to win the gold medal. Omori’s compatriot Kokoro Fuhishiro won silver.
Beaton will compete in the Ljubljana European Open in Slovenia next weekend.
Julien Frascadore was the only Canadian male in action in Paris on Saturday. Hampered by a shoulder injury, Frascadore lost his opening bout to Kherlen Ganbold of Mongolia in the under-66 kg weight class.
“His injury flared up during his bout, so he wasn’t able to perform at his best. He took a chance by taking part in today’s tournament, but he quickly realized he wouldn’t be able to compete at his usual level, so he decided to back out,” explained Valois-Fortier.
Ruslan Pashayev of Azerbaijan defeated Daikii Bouba of France in the category final.
The Grand Slam will continue on Sunday. François Gauthier-Drapeau and Keagan Young will compete in the under-81 kg division, while Coralie Godbout takes on the under-78 kg bracket.
Written by Sportcom for Judo Canada
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