Day two of the Judo World Championships in the Hungarian capital Budapest. The best judokas in the world competed against each other before the eyes of the Hungarian audience, which was restricted due to the pandemic.
But the only hope for a medal of the day, Reka Pupp, was defeated by the Japanese Ai Shishime. In turn, she eventually defeated Anna Perez. The Spaniard had a fine shoulder throw in her semifinals.
Shishime wins again in Budapest
Shortly before the end Shishime gained the upper hand, reached Waza-ari with an inner thigh throw and dominated brilliantly in the ground fight. In order to she secured the world champion titlethat she was able to get four years ago. She took the gold medal from the hands of Ion Tiriac, Tennis legend and ambassador for the International Judo Federation.
“I won my last title here in Budapest. That is why I am very happy to be here again and to win the gold medal again. I can feel something special here,” said Ai Shishime after her victory.
Maruyama defends gold medal
The finalists in the weight class under 66 kilos were full of motivation. The Japanese Joshiro Maruyama and the Italian Manuel Lombardo stormed their way to the gold medal fight. The favorites withstood the pressure with flying colors. Ultimately won Maruyama, who was able to defend his world title. He lured his opponent into a clever tomoe-nage and thus secured the Waza-ari rating.
Both opponents demonstrated the special attraction of judo and ended the fight with a friendly hug. Maruyama got his medal from Aleksander Karelin, wrestling legend, three-time Olympic champion and nine-time world champion.
“I feel the pressure, but I have to deal with it. One of the most important tasks today was to deal with the nervousness and then defeat my opponent,” said the world champion.
Maruyama’s fight was the culmination of the second day of the Judo World Championship in Budapest.
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