Photo from Eurosport.com
The Judo Masters competition in Budapest, Hungary, came to an exciting conclusion on its third day, showcasing the heavyweight categories and the fierce battles for championship titles.
In the -90kg category, Olympic Champion Bekauri faced his compatriot Maisuradze. Despite a challenging match, Bekauri emerged victorious through tactical maneuvers against the Georgian World Champion, earning him a double Masters Champion title. The medals were presented by IJF President Marius Vizer.
In the -78kg division, Israel’s World Champion Inbar Lanir dominated the competition with swift victories throughout the day. She continued her winning streak in the final, securing the gold medal in under a minute against Malonga of France. Lanir’s impressive performance added her first Masters title to her collection. The medals were awarded by IJF Executive Committee Member & IOC Member Yasuhiro Yamashita. Lanir expressed her connection to Hungary, mentioning her Hungarian heritage and the welcoming atmosphere in Budapest.
The -100kg category witnessed a remarkable match between Uzbek former World Champion Turoboyev and Israel’s Paltchik. Turoboyev’s strategic change of direction earned him a second waza-ari, delighting his fans and securing Uzbekistan’s first Masters gold in over a decade. IJF Vice President Carlos Zegarra presented the medals, and Turoboyev shared his emotions about the victory, reminiscent of his World Championships win in Tashkent.
France’s Romane Dicko showcased her aggressive style and tactical judo in the competition, ultimately clinching the gold medal. The medals were awarded by IJF EC Member & China Deputy Sport Minister Zhou Jinqiang.
In the +100kg category, Finland’s Martti Puumalainen demonstrated his peak performance, triumphing over all opponents and earning the Masters title. The medals were presented by IJF Vice President Laszlo Toth.
The presence of Shohei Ono, a double Olympic and triple World Champion, added inspiration to the event. Ono’s participation in Hungary not only promoted judo but also motivated aspiring judo practitioners.
The Judo Masters competition provided a platform for elite athletes to showcase their skills and determination, culminating in thrilling matches and crowning new champions in various weight categories.
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