The final was a real clash of styles, the flamboyant, wild judo of Arnaud Aregba (FRA) versus the considered work and power of Bernd Fasching (AUT). The latter was frustrated by the unpredictability of Aregba Aho scored early and then continued to work on both sides, using a wide range of techniques. Dangerous with an uchi-mata, ko-uchi-gari and seoi-otoshi variations, Aregba never paused for a second but it was eventually an o-uchi-gaeshi which planted him on top of Fasching, finishing with the hold. This was a worthy gold medal and an entertaining one.
The first bronze medal was going to go home with either Noato Izawa, who had eliminated 4-time world championship finalist Casse (BEL) in the round of 16 before losing to Giorgi Grammatikov (BUL) in the quarter-final, and Eetu Ihanamaki (FIN), a judoka who is becoming more and more consistent at the international level.
This contest did not last long, much to Ihanamaki’s disappointment. Izawa has excellent ne-waza and he used it expertly to tie the Finnish judoka in knots and take the win via osage-komi-waza. This is Izawa’s second Grand Prix medal following the bronze he won in Austria in March of this year.
The second bronze medal contest was fought between Antonio Esposito (ITA) and Giorgi Grammatikov (BUL). The Italian has a great deal of experience which he used to good effect. Grammatikov was hunting the big throws but Esposito could anticipate and avoid them, ensuring he also applied enough positivity to keep the penalties at bay. He was patient, focused and intelligent eventually using his outstanding ko-uchi-gari to earn a yuko in golden score. This is his 7th World Judo Tour medal.
Final (-81 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-81 kg)
