Given how well the two men know each other, the final was always likely to turn on the first significant error and it was Adamian who committed one first. Reacting too sharply to Bifov’s action–reaction set-up, he was rotated almost onto his back for a waza-ari that came somewhat against the run of play.
Adamian responded with renewed determination, scoring a yuko with an uchi-mata to close the gap. As the clock ticked down, Bifov seemed on the verge of victory, holding firm until the final exchanges but the former world champion had one more attack in him, a long-range o-uchi-gari that sent Bifov to the tatami for waza-ari. Back in front, Adamian held on to secure a hard-fought gold medal.
In the first bronze-medal contest, Nikoloz Sherazadishvili (ESP) faced Zsombor Veg (HUN). Veg came close to a breakthrough, having done the hard part already by scoring a yuko against the former world champion. Under increasing pressure from Sherazadishvili, the Hungarian did well to keep his opponent at bay, attacking with sumi-gaeshi repeatedly. It had earned him his earlier score but during a similar exchange, this time slightly overcommitted, Sherazadishvili anticipated, trapped him on the ground and secured an osaekomi for waza-ari. With more than ten seconds already elapsed in the hold, Veg had no time to recover. It was a well-earned bronze medal for Nikoloz Sherazadishvili.
On the other side, Leonardo Gonçalves (BRA) and Simeon Catharina (NED) prepared for a tightly contested showdown. After one minute, Gonçalves took the lead with a yuko, forcing Catharina to increase the pace in an effort to close the gap. But in trying to draw level, the Dutch judoka launched a seoi-otoshi lacking control and was countered immediately. At this level, even the smallest mistake becomes an opportunity, one that Leonardo Gonçalves capitalised on perfectly. That ippon earned another bronze medal for the Brazilian.
Final (-100 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-100 kg)
