Final: Max Gregory (ENG) vs Kyle Reyes (CAN)
2022 world silver medallist Kyle Reyes adds class to any event, always arriving with exemplary poise and beautiful judo. In Glasgow it was no different. His uchi-mata devastated the category all the way to the final.
On the other side of the draw, Max Gregory worked his way past one of the Cypriot contingent and his GBR teammate Oliver Barrett to reach top billing, joining Reyes in the final. That final did not last too long though, Reyes imposing himself from the beginning. He chose his moment to apply his tokui-waza, launching Gregory for ippon with uchi-mata. Four years ago Reyes took the silver but this time the top step was for him.
This medal pushed Canada into a very good position ahead of the heavyweight. England was at the top of the medal table at the end of day two but as day 3 has progressed, Canada have edged towards the finish line with great positivity. In the end they stayed in second place but it was very tight indeed.
Bronze Medal Contest: Aristos Michael (CYP) vs Georgios Kroussaniotakis (CYP)
This was a close contest, as expected, won on penalties, but that is not to say it was slow or cautious. Both judoka attacked with all the power they had but knowing each other so well meant their defences were also solid. It all came down to penalties in the end, the medal finally being claimed by Georgios Kroussaniotakis.
Bronze Medal Contest: Frank Ulrick Tahman Zan (CMR) vs Oliver Barrett (WAL)
By ranking and experience this contest should have been Barrett’s but Tahman Zan arrived well prepared and with his only thought to throw. He took his preferred inside grip comfortably and frequently and use it to open for his unbelievably fast seoi-otoshi. Barrett seemed unable to get off Tahman Zan’s back and was duly thrown for two waza-ari scores.
Medallists
GOLD Kyle Reyes (CAN)
SILVER Max Gregory (ENG)
BRONZE Georgios Kroussaniotakis (CYP)
BRONZE Frank Ulrick Tahman Zan (CMR)
+100 kg: Antoniou Wins Cyprus’ Seventh Medal of this Games
Final: Kayhan Ozcicek-Takagi (AUS) vs Giannis Antoniou (CYP)
Antoniou had looked strong and impenetrable from the first round of the morning session and he never dropped his pace once from that contest on. He threw with commitment and continued that theme in the final. The Cypriot delivered an impressive performance, as did the rest of his delegation. Giannis Antoniou is the new Commonwealth champion!
Bronze Medal Contest: Gregor Miller (SCO) vs Kody Andrews (NZL)
This was always billed to be an energetic contest and it did not disappoint. The Scottish fans gave it their all too, in support of Miller who struggled in the early exchanges. With a yuko against him and the spectators on their feet, he pushed forward chasing the score.
Andrews had his own plan and continued to attack, refusing to simply defend, but it was hard-going and Miller came too close for comfort more than once. The bronze medal was eventually assigned to Kody Andrews, based on the single yuko score and as the seconds ticked away his coached raised his arms in celebration of a job well done.
Bronze Medal Contest: Paula Monta (TGA) vs John Messe A Bessong (CAN)
This was among the most exciting contests of the whole tournament! On paper, the Canadian was listed as the likely winner but judo is unforgiving and offers the opportunity for every athlete to bring their best to the tatami. Today Paula Monta brought his best to the SEC Arena and gave the spectators and his own delegation an incredible show.
Monta was first to score, a massive throw that was very close to ippon. With a waza-ari on the board he continued to work aiming to throw again and again. A yuko came next and then one more before Messe A Bessong found his footing. With a minute to go and three scores down he opened up and scored himself a waza-ari.
Monta had to dig deep to find the reserves to defend as the Canadian came forward. A yuko was then scored against Monta too putting a single yuko between them and 24 seconds between Monta and a Commonwealth medal. Messe A Bessong kept attacking but Monta defended excellently and in doing so earned Tonga’s first and only medal of this judo event. Oceania had 3 countries on the medal table, a fantastic achievement for the region.
Medallists
GOLD Giannis Antoniou (CYP)
SILVER Kayhan Ozcicek-Takagi (AUS)
BRONZE Kody Andrews (NZL)
BRONZE Paula Monta (TGA)