Melkia Auchecorne (FRA) is no stranger to success. A double junior world champion and winner of the Kazakhstan Grand Slam last year, she arrived with credentials and delivered a performance. In the opening round, she faced the number one seed, Aoife Coughlan (AUS). Auchecorne imposed her rhythm from the outset, denying the Australian the opportunity to dictate the pace or use her physical strength effectively. It was a statement victory that set the tone for her day.
Carrying that momentum forward, the French judoka went on to defeat Lu Liu (CHN) and 4-time grand slam winner Elisavet Teltsidou (GRE), securing her place in the final. The first part of the mission had been accomplished.
She nearly had company! Clémence Eme (FRA) produced clean and efficient judo throughout the morning session. One of her standout moments came when she eliminated Japan’s Erina Ike (JPN), cutting short the campaign of a serious contender. Eme looked tactically sharp, building confidence bout after bout.
In the semi-final, however, she faced a formidable challenge in Miriam Butkereit (GER), an Olympic and world medallist with vast experience. Eme struggled to find a solution against the German’s reach and control. Despite her efforts, she was eventually caught and pinned down. It had been close, but not quite enough.
Butkereit therefore advanced to the final, setting up a compelling contest against Auchecorne: youth and momentum against experience and proven pedigree. On this occasion, experience proved decisive. The German managed to secure a hold-down and score ippon, ending Auchecorne’s hopes of gold, claiming the title in commanding fashion.
In the first bronze medal contest, Liu faced Eme, the French judoka determined to convert her strong morning performance into a podium finish. She did so with authority, securing the bronze medal and confirming France’s revival in the category.
In the second bronze medal match, Kamila Badurova (RUS) met Teltsidou, both aiming to leave Tashkent with silverware. After a long and demanding golden score period, Teltsidou found the necessary opening, scoring a yuko to claim the bronze medal, her ninth grand slam podium finish.
Final (-70 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-70 kg)
