When two specialists in close-contact judo and kumi-kata engage, the smallest imperfection can lead to a score and that is exactly what happened when Chopanov registered the first yuko with a subtle ko-uchi-gari. The pace then intensified, driven by Khyar’s relentless attacks, yet Chopanov managed to control what he could, absorbing the pressure as the seconds slipped away.
It was only at the very last moment, on the final gong, that the Frenchman levelled the score, bringing the contest to one yuko apiece. A high-intensity golden score was inevitable, with Khyar continuing to push forward and Chopanov remaining a constant threat. Ultimately, it was a final yoko-guruma for a yuko that secured the title for Walide Khyar.
Alexis Renard (FRA) earned the chance to fight for a medal against Adrian Nieto Chinarro (ESP). However, the French judoka was never able to take real control of the contest. Under pressure from start to finish, he conceded defeat to a clean uchi-mata from the Spaniard, which scored yuko, giving Nieto Chinarro the first World Judo Tour medal of his career.
David Garcia Torne (ESP) faced Elios Manzi (ITA) in the second bronze medal bout. The contest was tough, tense and finely balanced throughout. In this tactical battle, Manzi prevailed, not through scoring techniques, but through penalties accumulated by his opponent, which proved sufficient to earn him victory in golden score.
Final (-66 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-66 kg)
