RESULTS Topolovec wins gold, Puljiz bronze for Croatia at Abu Dhabi Judo Grand Slam

Croatia took two medals on day one of the IJF Judo Grand Slam in Abu Dhabi, and the biggest came with a throw late in a tight final. Tihea Topolovec, 28, of AJK Mladost Zagreb, scored a wazari about 30 seconds from the end to beat Amandine Buchard of France at -52 kg.

Buchard is a hard opponent to beat in that situation. She has Olympic, world and European medals, and neither woman let up with her attacks. Topolovec was the more persistent, and it paid off. It is her first Grand Slam medal and title, according to the Croatian Judo Federation.

The road to the final was not easy either. Topolovec won four bouts, including a semi-final over Israel's Gefen Primo, a former European champion, which she won after four minutes of fighting. Primo had earlier knocked out reigning Olympic champion Diyora Keldiyorova of Uzbekistan in the second round, which opened up the category.

Ana Viktorija Puljiz of JK Solin added bronze at -57 kg. She beat Russia's Natalia Elkina with two wazaris in the bronze-medal contest after losing her semi-final to France's Marthe Fawaz. Puljiz arrived in Abu Dhabi with a bronze from the recent World Championships in Baku, so this is another podium in quick succession.

Dani Klačar of JK Istarski borac had a split day at -66 kg. He beat Britain's Michael Fryer, then lost to Kazakhstan's Gusman Kyrgyzbayev.

The ranking points reflect the day: Topolovec earned 1,000, Puljiz 500 and Klačar 100. The Grand Slam runs through Oct. 31, so more Croatian judoka may still compete in the remaining categories.