The much-anticipated rematch between Anna Monta Olek (GER) and Alice Bellandi (ITA) lived up to its billing. After four minutes of tight grip work and matching penalties, the golden score was needed. Olek seized her chance during a ne-waza transition, pinning Bellandi for the decisive score and earning a brilliant gold. Bronze went to Mizuki Sugimura (JPN), with a beautifully timed harai-goshi, and to France’s Kaila Issoufi who overcame former world champion Inbar Lanir.
Double Olympic champion Lasha Bekauri (GEO) delivered a final rich in power and clarity. After an early waza-ari, he resisted heavy pressure from Mihail Latisev (MDA) before turning the contest round with a superb o-soto-otoshi for ippon. Islam Sogenov (SRB) collected bronze, while Nemanja Majdov (SRB) secured the other with a composed performance against Jonghoon Kim (KOR).
The final of the -100 kg category saw Idar Bifov strike first against the flow of the contest but Arman Adamian (RUS), a former world champion, responded with a yuko score before unleashing a decisive o-uchi-gari in the closing minute to reclaim control and the gold medal. Nikoloz Sherazadishvili (ESP) won bronze after countering Zsombor Veg, while Leonardo Gonçalves (BRA) took the second bronze.
After a morning full of upsets, the final between Miki Mukunoki (JPN) and Xinran Niu (CHN) required extra time to break the deadlock. Mukunoki produced a superb uchi-mata, executed with precision, earning her first grand slam title. Yuli Alma Mishiner (ISR) earned bronze, while Erica Simonetti (ITA) secured her first grand slam medal by countering Dambadarjaa’s ashi-waza with impeccable timing.
Gonchigsuren Batkhuyag (MGL) followed a flawless tactical plan to shut down Olympic medallist Tamerlan Bashaev (RUS). A single yuko, combined with disciplined defensive control, carried him to a well-earned gold. Azerbaijan collected one bronze via Ushangi Kokauri’s uki-otoshi and osaekomi, while Irakli Demetrashvili (GEO) claimed the final podium spot thanks to a decisive late yuko.
From tactical finesse to explosive ippon throws, the final day showcased the sport at its highest level. Established names reaffirmed their dominance, while several emerging judoka signalled their arrival on the world stage. With medals spread across continents and categories, the competition closed on a vibrant, dynamic note, promising even more excitement in the months ahead and especially next week in Tokyo for the last grand slam of the season. Stay tuned and follow us on JudoTV.com and all our platforms.