From the early rounds, the Japanese delegation imposed its rhythm and efficiency, with both Retsu Matsunaga and Yusei Adachi advancing steadily through their respective halves of the draw. Top seed Christopher Velazco (USA) and world cadet champion Jonathan Yang (USA) both showed strong judo and determination but the day belonged to Japan ultimately. Matsunaga’s calm control and Adachi’s sharp execution led to an all-Japanese final, a testament to the nation’s depth and excellence in the lighter weight divisions.
The two Japanese judoka knew each other perfectly, resulting in a tense and finely balanced contest. Each collected two penalties as they entered the golden score period, with neither able to break the deadlock. After several minutes of exchanges, Adachi was penalised for a third time, giving Retsu Matsunaga (JPN) the victory and the junior world title.
Bronze Medal Contests
Jonathan Yang (USA) vs Zacharie Dijol (FRA)
France had the chance to claim its second medal of the day but the task was a tough one against a determined Jonathan Yang (USA), eager to redeem himself after a narrow defeat earlier in the day. The contest was intense and appeared to be headed for golden score when the French judoka scored in the final seconds, only for it to be cancelled. In extra time, fatigue began to show on both sides but Yang’s persistence paid off. After more than five minutes of additional time, he executed a perfectly timed tai-otoshi to score waza-ari and claim bronze for the USA.
Ruslan Poltoratskii (BRN) vs Samariddin Kuchkarov (UZB)
This was a close and strategic contest, with both judoka maintaining composure and discipline throughout. As the clock approached the final minute, Kuchkarov found the decisive moment, scoring a yuko with a powerful hip technique to secure the second bronze medal of the category.
Japan’s double presence in the final, combined with strong performances from the USA and Uzbekistan, highlighted the global competitiveness and technical brilliance of the –60 kg category, a perfect illustration of the high standard at this World Junior Championships in Lima.
Final (-60 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-60 kg)
