But the host nation did have one winner to cheer as Rishod Soribov secured a win in the final bout of the day. 

It was a fitting victory as, before proceedings got underway, Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister of Sport Affairs Murodjon Aliev, had picked him out for special attention. 

"History has proved that sport is a great ambassador for peace and unity," said Aliev.

"Sport does not only develop the physical capacities but also develops morally and spiritually.

"Here in Uzbekistan, we are paying great attention to the education of the youth.

"One of our ambassadors is a judoka, Rishod Sobirov.

"We are really proud of him.

"Holding such an event during a difficult period for the world, is crucial.

"I want to thank the International Judo Federation President, Marius Vizer and his team for trusting us and I now declare the Grand Prix open."

When the action got underway it was Belgian Charline Van Snick, who in July had successfully had a two-years drugs ban for cocaine overturned, who was the first to top the podium.

She scored a yuko for victory against Turkey's Sumeyye Akkus in the women's under 48 kilogram final.

Russian Irina Dolgova and Mongolia's Otgontsetseg Galbadrakh secured bronze medals with wins over Turkey's Ebru Sahin and Italy's Valentina Moscatt respectively. 

It was then the turn of the Romanian duo to showcase their skills.

World Championship silver medallist Chitu was up against Mongolia's Tsolmon Adiyasambuu and in a tight and tactical affair the Romanian emerged victorious with a one shido difference on the scoreboard.

In the bronze medal matches, Portugal's Joana Ramos overcame Ecaterina Guica of Canada, while Brazilian Eleudis Valentim defeated Belgium's Ilse Heylen.

Caprioriu kept the gold medal count going for Romania as two waza-ari with 21 seconds left handed her victory over Israeli Camila Minakawa in the under 57kg decider.

Rishod Soribov ensured hosts Uzbekistan ended day one in Tashkent with a gold medal ©IJF



Poland's Arleta Podolak secured a surprise win over Italy's Beijing 2008 Olympic gold medallist Giulia Quintavalle to take the first bronze medal on offer and was followed by Serbia's Jovana Rogic who had too much for Stefanie Tremblay of Canada.

In the first men's final of the day, the home fans were anticipating a gold medal when Diyorbek Urozboev faced off against Amartuvshin Dashdavaa of Mongolia in the under 60kg final.

But, despite a bright start Urozboev could not deliver after he was immobilised for an ippon.

There was further disappointment for the host nation as both Sharafuddin Lutfillaev and Bakhrom Inoyatov lost their bronze medal clashes with Dashdavaa's compatriot Kherlen Ganbold and Kazakhstan's Gumar Kyrgyzbayev respectively.

But Soribov ensured that the crowd iwent home happy after his win over Mongolia's Altansukh Dovdon.

The Olympic bronze medal winner and two-time world champion executed a superb left handed uchi-mata for waza-ari before doubling his score with a smooth counter attacking manoeuvre a few seconds later to take the win.

Denis Lavrentiev of Russia defeated compatriot Anzaur Ardanov as Spaniard Sugoi Uriarte overcame Dzmitry Shershan of Belarus to claim the bronze medals.

Watch the latest action on Judo TV here.