It was not through a lack of effort from his opponents. Quite simply, Abe once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the finest judoka of his generation. Apart from a bronze medal at last year's world championships in Budapest, the Japanese star has remained virtually untouchable for years. Between claiming bronze at the 2019 World Championships in Tokyo and the defeat in Budapest, he has not suffered a defeat on the international stage. It is an extraordinary record.
Throughout the day, Abe never looked seriously troubled, controlling every contest with the calm authority that has become his trademark, before advancing to yet another final.
Behind him, the battle for the second place in the final was far more unpredictable. Several favourites fell along the way and, after a succession of upsets, Gusman Kyrgyzbayev (KAZ) and Ronald Lima (BRA) emerged from the chasing pack. Ultimately, it was Kyrgyzbayev who earned the right to challenge Abe for gold.
The final proved considerably closer than any of Abe's previous contests, which was hardly surprising given that it brought together the two standout judoka of the day. Kyrgyzbayev never stopped searching for an opening but Abe's mastery of the contest once again shone through. The Japanese champion eventually secured victory by a single yuko. Beyond the scoreline, it was the way he controlled every aspect of the contest that impressed most. Combining flawless movement, impeccable timing and outstanding defensive awareness with remarkable physical strength, Abe remains extraordinarily difficult to throw while constantly creating scoring opportunities of his own. It was Japan's third gold medal of the day and yet another demonstration showing that Abe remains the man to beat.
Hifumi Abe said, "I felt my judo was very sharp today. I stayed calm and focused throughout the competition, which was important because this grand prix is an important step towards the 2026 World Championships in Baku and the Olympic qualification process. There is always pressure to win but I accept that pressure because it motivates me to become even better. I always aim to score ippon, but today patience and adapting to each situation proved decisive.
My ultimate goal is to become a three-time Olympic champion at the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028. Competing in Qingdao was a wonderful experience thanks to the incredible support from the spectators. Now I am going home and I am looking forward to celebrating this gold medal with my sister, who also won gold last week at the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam."
The first bronze medal contest featured Baskhuu Yondonperenlei (MGL), competing against Ronald Lima (BRA). The contest was finally decided in golden score, where Lima absorbed a powerful attack before producing a superb counter to score a yuko with ura-nage and secure the bronze medal.
The second bronze medal contest saw Ruslan Pashayev (AZE) face Kelvin Ray (FRA). Making his first appearance in a World Judo Tour final block, the young Frenchman produced a determined performance. Never allowing the more experienced Azerbaijani to settle, Ray maintained constant pressure throughout the contest before finding the decisive score only seconds from the end. A well-timed koshi-waza earned a yuko and with it the first grand prix medal of his career.
Final (-66 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-66 kg)
