In the quarter-finals, Murao could face 2017 world champion Nemanja Majdov (SRB), whose hard, powerful judo is always difficult to deal with. Further ahead, a semi-final against Rafael Macedo (BRA) is possible, should the Brazilian overcome Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist Maxime-Gael Ngayap Hambou (FRA). Macedo would also have to get past his teammate Guilherme Schimidt (BRA) to challenge for a place on the podium. And that is only the top half of the draw!
In the lower half, 2023 world champion Luka Maisuradze (GEO) is the highest-ranked contender. Yet what of Goki Tajima (JPN), surely he’s been inspired by the results of his teammates? And what can be said of Murad Fatiyev (AZE), who will be lifted by the home crowd? This is just a few of the names that will be in focus on day 5.
There are many questions and only the tatami can provide the answers. This is a world championship and everyone will be determined to shine. With only four places on the podium, they will be fiercely contested.