Idar Bifov (IJF), a finalist at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam in 2025, faced Niiaz Bilalov (IJF), who stood on the podium in Paris earlier this season. Bifov had eliminated top seed Simeon Catharina (NED), while Bilalov defeated another Dutch contender, Michael Korrel (NED).
In the final, first Bilalov was penalised with a shido for passivity. As penalties accumulated on both sides, the pressure gradually shifted in Bifov’s favour. The contest then moved into golden score where Bifov seized his opportunity, throwing his teammate with sumi-gaeshi to secure the gold medal.
Catharina still had an opportunity to salvage his tournament and reach the podium, facing Darko Brašnjović (SRB) in the bronze medal contest. He took an early lead by wrapping his opponent into a seoi-otoshi for a waza-ari, but Brašnjović responded with a powerful koshi-waza to level the score. With just eight seconds remaining, Catharina sealed victory with a spectacular counter for ippon.
Once again Georgia remained in contention, through Nika Kharazishvili (GEO), who qualified for the second bronze medal contest against Robert Florentino (DOM). Midway through the contest, each judoka had already received two penalties, reflecting a tense and closely fought bout rather than a lack of activity. In the final minute, Florentino secured victory with an osaekomi for ippon, claiming his first grand slam bronze medal and the first for his country in the men’s category at this level.
Final (-100 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-100 kg)
