Orishchenko, unseeded, then made her way to the semi-final stage without disturbance. There, Maelys Dapa (BEL), a world cadet silver medallist from 2025, awaited. She had no intention of leaving without the same or a better result in this edition and carefully unpicked her opponent.
Final: Maelys Dapa (BEL) vs Ella Bar Lev (ISR)
Ella Bar Lev had clearly done her homework. Having one of the best in the world as your opponent in a world final cannot be easy but Bar Lev’s approach was to simply work for the win. She m managed the gripping excellently and didn’t rush. Dapa struggled to impose herself in her usual way and eventually lost the contest as Bar Lev secured a sankaku in golden score.
After the final Ella Bar Lev said, Winning this world title is crazy but my belief in myself paid off. It isn't about medals, it's about what's inside and pushing forward. Winning in ne-waza is fun but hearing our anthem is magical. I drew strength from my family and everyone back home, to give them something to be proud of. I promise myself before every match that I will never break or give up until it's over.”
Bronze medal contest: Agam Sol Noy (ISR) vs Micaela Santos (BRA)
This was a close contest throughout but was eventually decided after Santos seemed to be in pain in her neck and back. Once the medical team have tended to an athlete on the tatami, the contest is automatically awarded to the other judoka. Therefore, despite Santos wanting to continue, the fight was over and Agam Sol Noy was the cadet world bronze medallist.
Bronze medal contest: Charos Hikmatova (UZB) vs Anna-Mariia Orishchenko (RUS)
Third seed Charos Hikmatova stuck to her plan throughout the contest, frustrating Orishchenko. At the halfway point she scored a waza-ari with seoi-otoshi which drove Orishchenko to pick up her game. She pushed on, putting Hikmatova at risk but the Uzbek bounced back in each exchange with excellent kumi-kata and a clear understanding of the rules.
Hikmatova won the bronze medal, adding to a growing Uzbek tally in Guayaquil.
Final (-48 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-48 kg)
Final Results (-48 kg)
