European athletes occupy the first four seeded positions. Within this formidable quartet, the two Spanish judoka, Ariane Toro Soler and Ayumi Leiva Sanchez, could make a strong impression. Toro Soler was a finalist at the Paris Grand Slam in February and reached the podium in Lausanne at the end of August. Leiva Sanchez, meanwhile, claimed a fine victory at the Hungary Grand Slam in September. Both have every reason to believe they can shine in Baku.
On the lower half of the draw, Mascha Ballhaus (GER) will be one of the judoka to beat. Although her medal haul this year has been limited to a silver medal in China in June, the German could use this world championship to return to the forefront.
Gefen Primo (ISR), Khorloodoi Bishrelt (UAE) and last year’s world bronze medallist Roza Gyertyas (HUN) must not be overlooked. Yet none of this takes Uta Abe (JPN) into account. The very name of the Japanese champion is enough to send a shiver through the category. The question is clear: among the favourites and the outsiders alike, who can truly challenge Queen Abe?