Japan shines as Tanaka claims -70kg gold and Murao triumphs in all-Japanese -90kg final
It's Day 5 in Budapest at the OTP Bank World Judo Championships and the action rolls on.
At -70kg, Lara CVJETKO is no stranger to World finals, but this time she was out for gold. The Croatian judoka returned to the big stage with more experience, greater composure, and a renewed hunger to stand on the top of the podium. CVJETKO looked like an athlete on a mission – ready to turn silver into gold.
Her opponent was Shiho TANAKA – a world bronze medallist herself. She had confidently worked her way through the draw. Each contest saw her judo sharpen, her intent clearer. This was her chance to move up the podium and she stepped onto the tatami with gold firmly in her sights.With both athletes hungry for their first World title, the final was set for a high-level showdown. A golden score yuko from TANAKA was the decider. The Japanese judoka rose from the tatami as a World Champion.
It's my third shot at the World Championships and I finally got the gold so I'm really happy and relieved.
Hungary Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade Mr Péter SZIJJÁRTÓ awarded the medals.
At -90kg, Sanshiro MURAO was on fire, ippon in every contest on his way to the gold medal match. An amazing run through the preliminaries, with a dominant performance, had the judo world watching closely. Each match was a showcase of control, timing and explosive technique.
MURAO looked unstoppable, was this finally his year to take the top of the podium and find his place among judo's elite?Facing him was his team-mate, reigning World Champion Goki TAJIMA who despite the pressure of defending his title, worked his way through the preliminaries. As the stakes rose, so did his judo with an outstanding semi-final ippon. He was finding his rhythm at the right moment, but was it enough to become a two time World Champion?
In the final the two Japanese judoka took the contest to golden score. It was a tense, tactical fight. The victory was MURAO's, he would leave Budapest as World Champion.
It was my dream to one day become World Champion since I started judo as a kid and I can't believe it's real right now.
North Macedonia Minister of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade Mr Timčo MUCUNSKI awarded the medals.
See you tomorrow for more Judo!
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