It wasn't all easy and the opposition wasn't impressed by the French judoka's record, but she, quietly but surely, asserted her authority, winning all her matches, using her magic weapon repeatedly, her kata-guruma, her last victim being Ariane Toro Soler (ESP) in the semi-finals.
In the second half of the draw, it was Gefen Primo (ISR) who qualified to join Buchard, announcing a high-flying final between the two champions, arriving with two completely different styles.
In the final, world number 4 Buchard and world number 11 Primo were in action immediately, with the French leading by 5 to 1 in their head-to-head. Primo engaged a bearhug but was suddenly bearhugged back for a powerful ippon. Buchard is definitely back on top of her art.
The first bronze medal contest opposed Roza Gyertyas (HUN) and Naomi Van Krevel (NED). Showing great determination, Van Krevel applied a shime-waza for ippon that left no chance for Gyertyas to escape. The bronze medal was for Naomi Van Krevel!
Reka Pupp (HUN), who came to Tbilisi for gold, had to try for the bronze but first she had to face Ariane Toro Soler (ESP) to reach the podium. Reka Pupp seemed to be struggling from the first hajime onwards, apparently having a smal hand injury. She was thrown twice, a waza-ari from a seoi-otoshi and another attack for a yuko. With one minute left, she didn't have many options. It would have to be ippon, but that was not the case and the bronze medal was won logically by Ariane Toro Soler.
Final (-52 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-52 kg)
