Without any international appearances between Sofia and Guayaquil, Shirakane was still the world number one and so sat at the top of the day 2 draw. The lack of international competition could be a risk but her skill was not in doubt and as the day began, she passed through the rounds comfortably until the semi-final.
The two semi-finals gave rise to two big shocks. The first was Shirakane’s defeat at the hands of Kseniia Kyrylchuk (UKR). Their semi-final delivered a masterclass in commitment. Kyrylchuk took an unorthodox grip and span under Shirakane with a very fast yoko-wakare that scored a yuko. She protected it perfectly, staying positive but aware of all dangers.
On the bottom half of the draw, the number two seed, who must have thought her chance of winning gold had just improved, then lost her semi-final to Fatima Supygaliyeva (KAZ), so there would be no chance of gold at all for Yali Yahav after all.
Final: Kseniia Kyrylchuk (UKR) vs Fatima Supygaliyeva (KAZ)
Fatima Supygaliyeva has a relentless style which is especially technical in the transition and ne-waza phases. Her understanding of the opportunities on the ground is staggering, not just for someone of her age, for any judoka. Kyrylchuk find any rhythm at all, deferring to escapes and defence as there was no other choice.
The contest went into golden score but there was little doubt that the winner was already decided. The prediction was correct and after only 11 seconds of extra time, Supygaliyeva launched an unstoppable uchi-mata to score ippon and become a cadet world champion.
Fatima was happy to express herself after securing the gold medal, “I trained a lot, supported by my loved ones, my coaches and my father. Thanks to that, I became the world champion and it feels extremely good to have the title.”
Bronze medal contest: Sofia Gaspar (POR) vs Yali Yahav (ISR)
This was a hard-fought contest between two determined young judoka. Both attacked and both looked for strategic advantages but in the end Sofia Gaspar’s attacks were more precise and so when the penalties arrived they were for Yali Yahav. After the bow, an ecstatic Gaspar jumped into the arms of her coach, Joao Neto; it was an emotional moment for the Portuguese athlete.
Bronze medal contest: Matilda Mariello (ITA) vs Rio Shirakane (JPN)
In the first exchange of this contest Matilda Mariello attempted to throw through the straight arm of her opponent. There was no option but to apply the rules as written and so the Italian was disqualified and Rio Shirakane could make her way to the podium.
Final (-52 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-52 kg)
Final Results (-52 kg)
