The bronze-medal contests also showcased high-calibre judo. Mortaza Suha (GER) met Fazliddin Rafikov (UZB), the world number one eager to redeem himself after his semi-final loss. Then Marek-Adrian Masak (EST) faced Matheo Akiana Mongo (FRA) in a physical and unpredictable encounter. With four nations represented, the +100 kg division illustrated the global reach and balance of modern judo perfectly.
Final
Gai Hatakeyama (JPN) vs Bislan Katamardov (IJF)
It took just 28 seconds for Katamardov to end Hatakeyama’s gold medal hopes. With a textbook ippon-seoi-nage, he scored an immediate ippon, claiming the last gold medal of the individual championships in emphatic fashion.
Bronze medal contests
Marek-Adrian Masak (EST) vs Matheo Akiana Mongo (FRA)
Akiana Mongo battled fiercely for his medal, showing grit and great timing in a contest of sheer power. A well-executed counter-attack earned him a waza-ari, securing France’s fifth medal of the tournament in Lima.
Mortaza Suha (GER) vs Fazliddin Rafikov (UZB)
The bout remained evenly matched for most of the contest. Rafikov struck first with a yuko, but Suha equalised quickly. In golden score, the tension peaked until Suha turned his opponent with excellent groundwork, holding him for five seconds to score a decisive yuko and take bronze for Germany.
Final (+100 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (+100 kg)
