The one balanced on top of the pedestal on day 6 was Alice Bellandi (ITA). She’s the world number one, a consistent medallist on the World Judo Tour. Anyone wanting the gold medal today would have to pass by and take it up with Bellandi. The first two potentially difficult debates were absolutely Bellandi’s.

She beat triple world champion and triple Olympic medallist Mayra Aguiar (BRA) after the Brazilian was drawn against her in round two. Aguiar was not seeded and that provided some stress for both athletes. They were tied with two penalties apiece when Alice Bellandi attacked with a ko-uchi-makikomi to end the contest. Lytvynenko (UKR) was the next to be beaten and that put the Italian into the semi-final.

Bellandi (ITA) sends Aguiar (BRA) home in round two.

An unseeded Sampaio (POR) then upset the ranking in pool B. 2022 world silver medallist Zhenzhao Ma (CHN) was supposed to come through, as the 4th seed, but she was beaten by Sampaio who had also just thrown and held Malonga (FRA) inside the first minute of their contest. There would be no French flag in the final block.

Sampaio (POR) defeats Malonga (FRA).

Pool C was absolutely obliterated by Anna-Maria Wagner, the German powered past Branser (GUI) without blinking and then dominated Takayama (JPN), almost making it look easy. The Japanese judoka amassed 3 penalties, unable to find her posture, to attack, to keep pace.

Wagner (GER) defeats Takayama (JPN).

Inbar Lanir, the Doha world champion, also stuck to the script, following Wagner’s lead, defeating Otgonbayar (MGL) and Steenhuis and the way to join Wagner in the semi-final.

Lanir (ISR) sends Otgonbayar (MGL) home early.

The afternoon session will begin with repechage contests before the finalists become known.

Repechage

Lytvynenko (UKR) vs Ma (CHN)

Takayama (JPN) vs Steenhuis (NED)

Semi-finals

Bellandi (ITA) vs Sampaio (POR)

Wagner (GER) vs Lanir (ISR)

See also