Final: Haruka Kaju (JPN) vs Kerem Primo (ISR)
Primo arrived with positive gripping and a clear strategy but Haruka Kaju was just too strong for her. The Japanese powerhouse struck first with a seoi-otoshi for a yuko before securing a hold. Everyone in the arena thought that was it, all over in the first minute, but after nine seconds Primo escaped.
Primo’s reprieve did not last long as despite the escape, Kaju continued to work in ne-waza and found a new position with which to hold the young Israeli and this time there was no escape possible. Haruka Kaju is a double world champion while Kerem Primo can be proud of a great performance to earn the silver medal.
After the final, Kaju spoke warmly about her win, “This world championships was a very important step on the road towards the Los Angeles Olympic Games, so I came here extremely focused. I wasn’t necessarily expecting to go so far, but I took each contest one at a time and concentrated only on the opponent in front of me. I always try not to become defensive. I want to remain hungry, keep moving forward and constantly look for opportunities to attack. That is the kind of judo I want to produce.”
Bronze medal contest: Renata Zachova (CZE) vs Anna Kriza (HUN)
It took Renata Zachova just twenty seconds to put a first waza-ari on the board, tani-otoshi being her weapon of choice. The double European champion was still waiting for her first world medal and was letting her intentions be known early in the contest. However, Anna Kriza was not going to make it easy for her, equalising almost immediately with a huge hip throw.
An osoto-gari from Zachova then gave her back the lead by a yuko but, incredibly, Kriza equalised again, this time with uchi-mata. Two scores each and everything to play for meant each judoka knew the other had the ability to win fast in golden score; extra time had a little extra drama too!
Just over a minute of added time passed before Kriza attacked at the hip one more time but Zachova had learned and adjusted ready to counter it. Finally, Renata Zachova had her world medal and with Czech hero Lukas Krpalek applauding in the stands.
Bronze medal contest: Enkhriilen Lkhagvatogoo (MGL) vs Joanne Van Lieshout (NED)
This was a close contest throughout, neither athlete able to create the perfect conditions for their favourite techniques. Both already familiar with the world championship podium, they understood what was at stake and worked hard to eliminate any mistakes.
Enkhriilen Lkhagvatogoo made a move to change the pace in the last minute of normal time. It was a good move and using fast footwork she managed to throw Van Lieshout for a yuko. It was enough to secure her third senior world bronze medal.
Final (-63 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-63 kg)
