Olympic silver medallist Ilia Sulamanidze (GEO) looked more convincing in the early stages of the competition but saw his journey stopped in the quarter-final by 2023 world champion Arman Adamian (RUS). Adamian’s own run ended in the semi-final against a serious outsider, Gennaro Pirelli (ITA). The Italian had already made a strong statement by claiming the European title in April in Georgia, a result that confirmed his status among the elite but in this field the top spot was potentially reserved for others.
With Pirelli securing his place in the final, the question remained: who would join him? There was no shortage of candidates. Olympic champion Zelym Kotsoiev (AZE) was still in contention, as was the consistent Simeon Catharina (NED), who had recently produced several impressive performances on the World Judo Tour.
Ryotaro Masuchi (JPN) disrupted the predictions for several rounds before Dzhafar Kostoev (UAE) appeared to take control of the situation. However, his momentum was halted by Idar Bifov (RUS), winner of the Tbilisi Grand Slam earlier this year, who secured his place in the final.
The lower half of the draw had also seen all expectations turned upside down and the result was an unexpected final between Gennaro Pirelli (ITA) and Idar Bifov (RUS).
It was a tactical and tense final, with neither judoka able to gain the upper hand during normal time. The contest moved into golden score with both athletes having already received two penalties. After more than three additional minutes of suspense, it was Pirelli who emerged victorious as Bifov received his third penalty, handing the Italian a memorable gold medal.
After his final, Pirelli explained, "This success is the result of long-term work, but the turning point came after the heartbreak of finishing fifth in the Paris Olympic mixed team event. That defeat completely changed my mentality and made me train even harder. Since then, I have placed much greater emphasis on mental strength, which I believe is even more important than physical preparation.
I am a superstitious Neapolitan, so I prefer to take things one step at a time, focusing on each competition rather than looking too far ahead. The next step will be the Lima Grand Prix in August, followed by strategic preparation with my coaches for major events such as the Baku World Championships.
Our Italian mixed team team already has a European silver medal and a world bronze medal, so we strongly believe we have what it takes to reach the top and win gold. At the same time, I have my own personal goal: to go get the red backpatch in Baku."
After the quality and intensity of the preliminary rounds, the bronze medal contests promised to be of the highest level. Unfortunately, neither contest took place as one judoka in each pairing was unable to compete. The two bronze medals therefore went to Olympic champion Zelym Kotsoiev (AZE) and his Paris 2024 Olympic final opponent, Ilia Sulamanidze (GEO).
Final (-100 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-100 kg)
