Never Underestimate Japan

She started with an offensive, positive attitude against the Hungarian Kitti Kovacs. Waza-ari, total control of the duel and little else, a formality for her. Her first acid test took place in the third round against Haruka Funakubo because she is Japanese and that always means that the fights are demanding; also because she is fifteenth in the world ranking, not too high, not too low, just enough for Klimkait because she had to try a little harder than she wanted. Against the Japanese, Klimkait took it as if her rival had another passport. She kept attacking, taking the initiative and forcing two shido against Funakubo. Everything was going well but we already told you that logic sometimes goes to rest, and also that Japan is Japan; it is recommended to not underestimate them. 

Klimkait launched a very predictable attack and Funakubo pinned her to the ground to win by osae-komi. The Japanese was already advancing at cruising speed. Apparently, she doesn't like her position in the ranking! Next round, another big test, that's the way it is in Budapest. Telma Monteiro is the most successful judoka in Portugal with the experience to write several books; she reached the semi-finals showing that she is fit. Well, Funakubo virtually ate her and at the end, for dessert, which wasn't a small fruit salad either, but a chocolate cake with cream and icing, the Brazilian and former Olympic champion Rafaela Silva.

Funakubo concluded an excellent first day for Japan by defeating Silva. The Brazilian lost after a penalty for several seoi-otoshi attempts from the Japanese, no score but it was enough to bring a third shido against Silva.

Israel went to bed with three medals, all bronze, thanks to Timna Nelson Levy's last win over Monteiro. As for Klimkait, since she came from Canada, which is very far away, she pocketed the second bronze, defeating the Cuban Arnaes Odelín García with a seoi-nage awarded ippon.