In pool B, the favourite appeared to be Dalaitseren Batbuyan (MGL) but the Mongolian’s campaign ended abruptly in his opening contest against Lowan Le Bris (CAN). The Canadian judoka capitalised on the upset, continuing his winning streak all the way to the semi-final, where he would face the top seed Varnicic.
On the other side of the draw, Vasil Gamezardashvili (GEO) progressed smoothly through his early contests until he was halted by the day’s standout Japanese competitor, Keisho Mitsuishi (JPN), who secured victory with a narrow yuko from a sharp seoi-otoshi.
In pool D, the hierarchy was respected as Myrzatay Kydyrbay (KAZ), the seeded favourite, confirmed his status with a controlled performance, earning his place in the semi-final against Mitsuishi.
Thus, the semi-final picture in the -73 kg category was drawn: Veljko Varnicic (SRB) vs Lowan Le Bris (CAN) and Keisho Mitsuishi (JPN) vs Myrzatay Kydyrbay (KAZ), a line-up promising both drama and high-level judo. Ultimately, it was Veljko Varnicic and Keisho Mitsuishi who emerged victorious and advanced to the final.
It is often said that at cadet level tactics play only a minor role; often true but here Veljko Varnicic proved to be the exception. Entirely focused, he stepped onto the tatami with a clear plan to control his opponent’s left sleeve. For four minutes he never once relinquished that grip, despite the pace and pressure of Mitsuishi. Then came the decisive moment; crossing the left sleeve, he executed a devastating sumi-gaeshi. Initially it was awarded ippon before being downgraded to waza-ari but it underlined his tactical mastery nonetheless. Varnicic stuck to his strategy until the very end and it paid off. The gold medal was for Veljko Varnicic.
The first bronze medal contest brought together Sadulla Ravshanov (UZB) and Myrzatay Kydyrbay (KAZ) in a clash of Central Asian rivals. Kydyrbay seemed to have the fight under control, leading by yuko with just seconds remaining but in a dramatic twist, Ravshanov launched a last-second sumi-gaeshi on the gong, scoring ippon and snatching the medal in the dying moment.
In the second bronze medal contest, it was Vasil Gamezardashvili (GEO) and Lowan Le Bris (CAN) who stepped onto the tatami at Sofia’s Asics Arena, each determined to leave the championships with a place on the podium. After a long battle of grips, it was Gamezardashvili who struck with a thunderous harai-goshi for ippon, just 15 seconds before the end. The bronze medal was heading to Georgia.
Final (-73 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-73 kg)
