FInal: Yelyzaveta Lytvynenko (UAE) vs Patricia Sampaio (POR)
The world number two and world number five delivered an exceptionally high level final, one that was balancing on a knife edge. With either judoka poised to claim the win at any moment, furious attacks coming from white and blue, the volume rose in the Mubadala Arena.
After two minutes of extra time Sampaio had two penalties and Lytvynenko had one but there were spells of dominance from both. However, a minute later, Sampaio attacked with a seoi-otoshi that lacked a little movement and Lytvynenko capitalised, countering for a waza-ari and the gold. This is a perfect finish for the host nation, a gold medal on the third and final day of competition in Abu Dhabi.
“I feel good, said Lytvynenko, “I’m tired but I'm happy because it feels like home and I am so glad to win a gold medal for my country. It was tough coming straight from the World Championships with such a short turnaround, especially after my training camp in Baku but we are here and we took the gold medal. My opponent is a very good fighter with strong techniques. It's a very good feeling to fight here and this is very important for our team.”
Bronze medal contest: Karol Gimenes (BRA) vs Yael Van Heemst (NED)
This was a game of judo chess from the outset, each competitor searching for the right movement and grip to unbalance the other. For 3 minutes and 59 seconds, all was even but active and fate was calling for extra time. However, Yael Van Heemst was not waiting for the gong and turned in, in the very last moment to score as the clocked reached four minutes.
Bronze medal contest: Metka Lotnik (SLO) vs Emma Reid (GBR)
For four minutes Emma Reid of Great Britain looked to be edging the contest but nothing on the scoreboard separated them, meaning some extra time was required.
A minute into golden score, exactly a minute, Reid worked through a transition phase perfectly to secure a juji-gatame. “Ippon” was called and Reid showed her satisfaction for a job well done.
Final (-78 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-78 kg)
Final Results (-78 kg)
