Final
Rafael Buzacarini (BRA) vs Lukáš Krpálek (CZE)
The first half of the final passed quickly, with just one shido awarded to each competitor. Struggling a little in the standing exchanges, Krpálek waited patiently for his chance on the ground. At one point, he came very close to turning Buzacarini over, but the Brazilian resisted the immense pressure of the double Olympic champion.
As the contest moved into golden score, each judoka received a second shido, raising the tension even higher. Then came the decisive moment, Rafael Buzacarini, who had been so powerful until then, clearly tired and found himself on the ground, unable to resist any longer. Lukáš Krpálek freed his leg and secured a hold-down for ippon, claiming his seventh grand prix gold medal. A true legend reaffirmed his place at the top of world judo.
Bronze Medal Contests
Martti Puumalainen (FIN) vs Yevheniy Balyevskyy (UKR)
Although Puumalainen had yet to score, he appeared to have the upper hand, attacking more and forcing his opponent to receive an early penalty but in a sudden turn of events, it was he who made the crucial mistake. Missing the control of his own grip, he ended up flat on his back and Yevheniy Balyevskyy capitalised immediately, holding him down to secure the bronze medal, the third of his grand prix career.
Kanan Nasibov (AZE) vs Giannis Antoniou (CYP)
Trailing by penalties and forced to attack, Giannis Antoniou overcommitted and was countered by Kanan Nasibov for waza-ari, which the Azerbaijani smoothly transitioned into ippon with an immobilisation. It was a breakthrough performance and Nasibov’s first grand prix medal.
Final (+100 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (+100 kg)
