So the answer to the question at the beginning of the day, namely what would happen regarding the Japanese performance of the day, was clear: it was perfect! Haruka Kaju and Megu Danno were indeed on the bill for the last final of the day. The 100% success of Team Japan is impressive and demonstrates the depth of Nippon judo.
Haruka Kaju concluded this first golden day for Japan by winning the final, offering the seventh gold medal to the host country. Impressive !
Gold medallist, Haruka Kaju (JPN)
Flavia Favorini (ITA) and Renata Zachova (CZE) were able to offer a bronze medal to Europe. It remained to be seen who of the two could win. The victory went to Renata Zachova after she countered Favorini's ill-prepared seoi-otoshi attack for waza-ari. This is a first medal ever at a grand slam for Zachova.
Minami Aono (JPN) and Megumi Horikawa (JPN) could still complete the podium. Megumi Horikawa being unable to compete, the bronze medal went to Minami Aono.
Medals, cheques and flowers were presented by Mr Jinqiang Zhou, IJF Executive Committee Member and Deputy Minister of Sport of China, and Ms Midori Shintani, Councilor of All Japan Judo Federation
Final (-63 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-63 kg)
Final Results (-63 kg)
1. KAJU Haruka
(JPN)
2. DANNO Megu
(JPN)
3. ZACHOVA Renata
(CZE)
3. AONO Minami
(JPN)
5. FAVORINI Flavia
(ITA)
5. HORIKAWA Megumi
(JPN)
7. LILUASHVILI Dali
(IJF)