Tokyo Olympic and two-time reigning world champion siblings Hifumi and Uta Abe secured overwhelming wins at judo's Antalya Grand Slam on Friday when their Japanese compatriot and three-time defending worlds winner Natsumi Tsunoda also triumphed.
Competing in their last tournaments before the Paris Olympics this summer, the trio showed their preparations are well on course after winning their respective divisions' five bouts all by ippon in Turkey.
Hifumi, who said he was aiming at "unpredictable judo" on the day, reeled off a variety of throwing and foot techniques and was superior in close combat, rounding things off by downing Nurali Emomali of Tajikistan in the men's 66-kilogram final.
"There're just four months to go before the Paris Olympics. It's a positive thing that I've won at this tournament but it's just a step on the way," Hifumi said.
"I need to build something even better when I venture into the Olympics, I've found issues and hope to make adjustments...I want to hear the Japanese national anthem together (with Uta again) by winning at the Olympics."
Uta dispelled a lower back concern she had prior to the meet as she also cruised in the women's 52 kg, brushing aside Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Chelsie Giles of Britain within 10 seconds in the final.
"Unexpectedly, I managed to head into bouts free from the issue," Uta said. "I wasn't really in good shape today but I managed to keep winning after thoroughly analyzing what my style is. I'll remain hungry and strive hoping to show my stronger self in Paris."
Tsunoda beat Sila Ersin of Turkey in the final in the women's 48 kg, calling her route to the final a "fierce battle" having hurt her left knee in the quarterfinals.
"There were many moments I felt I was in danger, but I'm happy I could get the win," Tsunoda said. "I'll switch my mind, let the injury heal properly and prepare for the Olympics."
Japanese-born Christa Deguchi, who has been representing Canada since 2017, won the women's 57 kg. No Japanese fought in the division or in the remaining category competed on the day, the men's 60 kg, won by Russia's Ayub Bliev who took part as an individual neutral athlete.
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