Renata Zachova (CZE) and Amanda Zouaznabar-Torres (ROU) opened proceedings, competing for the first of two bronze medals in the -63 kg category. There was a back-and-forth of attacks, blue and then white, white and then blue, although Zachova’s attacks seemed to make more of a mark than the Romanian’s, even if there was no score for some time. With ten seconds left on the clock, Zachova finally fulfilled her promised and pushed herself all the way under Zouaznabar-Torres and threw for ippon with seoi-otoshi.
In the second bronze medal contest, Joni Geilen (NED) and Paris Olympic bronze medallist Laura Fazliu (KOS) stepped on to the tatami. Geilen arrived with confidence and threw Fazliu for a yuko with tomoe-nage, registering the score only 19 second into the contest. However, experience often delivers at this level and so she responded perfectly sending Geilen to the floor with a huge sasae-tsuri-komi-ashi. It was a clear ippon. Kosovo had their second medal of the tournament.
The final was contested by 19-year-old So Morichika (JPN) and 2024 European silver medallist Kaja Kajzer (SLO). The gripping battle was fierce at the outset but neither could complete an attack enough to be considered for scoring purposes.
As golden score began, the pace didn’t drop but at almost 4 minutes of extra time, each received a second shido as the gripping became more cautious. Morichika was unable to find another gear and eventually Kajzer took the win and the gold with a third shido going to the Japanese competitor.
Final (-63 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-63 kg)
