At the World Judo Championships in Baku, Spain’s Ai Tsunoda Roustant claimed the -70kg gold medal and Japan’s Sanshiro Murao successfully defended his -90kg world title on day five of the tournament, Euronews.com reported.
Tsunoda Roustant Wins First Senior World Title in Baku
Ai Tsunoda Roustant secured her first senior world title in the women’s -70kg category after a tactical final against Michaela Polleres. Entering the tournament as a former cadet and junior world champion, Tsunoda Roustant won a series of difficult matches to reach the final showdown. Polleres arrived with significant major-championship momentum, holding an Olympic silver and bronze alongside two World Championship bronze medals. The championship bout stretched into the golden score period before Tsunoda Roustant secured the decisive advantage, earning the red backpatch and the premier victory of her career. International Judo Federation referee director Juan Carlos Barcos presented the medals to the athletes.
Murao Retains -90kg Crown With Dramatic Ippon
In the men’s -90kg division, defending world champion Sanshiro Murao reaffirmed his standing on the international tatami by capturing his second world title. Murao advanced through the early rounds by defeating double Olympic champion Bekauri, then secured his place in the final with a decisive ippon in the semifinal. Waiting in the gold-medal match was Goki Tajima in a rematch of the previous year’s world final. Tajima, also a former world champion, pressed his compatriot in an all-Japanese showdown, but Murao delivered an explosive ippon in the closing moments to seal the victory. Haruki Uemura, a member of the International Judo Federation executive committee and president of the Kodokan, presided over the medal ceremony.
International Judo Championships Continue in Azerbaijan
The fifth day of competition in Azerbaijan highlighted the depth of international judo talent as veteran contenders and rising stars clashed for world supremacy. The International Judo Championships continue tomorrow with preliminary rounds and medal matches in subsequent weight categories.
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