In the final of the third category of day one’s final block, Takeuchi (JPN) and Minjeong Kim (KOR) stepped forward for the second Japan vs Korea final of the tournament. Just as the -60 kg men’s final played out, the -52 kg women’s final also went Japan’s way. Rin Takeuchi is relentless in her hunt for ippon and her last one of today came from a round-the-waist grip, taking Kim backwards with no chance to regain her balance.
The first bronze medal contest was fought between Surgeon Hwang (KOR) and Uranzaya Bayanmunkh (MGL). It was faced-paced and unpredictable but a counter for a yuko gave Hwang the lead early on and Bayanmunkh, despite the greatest effort she could muster, just couldn’t redress the balance. As full time approached she became less well prepared and so the medal went to Hwang of Korea.
The second bronze medal would go to either Xiuzhi Jiang (CHN) or 2025 world medallist Roza Gyertyas (HUN). A one-sided debate is no debate at al and Gyertyas had the measure of Jiang from the get-go.
Stronger in the gripping phases, calmer when attacked, the Hungarian dominated and eventually took the win with a a well-drilled juji-gatame. Gyertyas is gathering momentum and enjoying the ride and it’s a great message to those looking up to her.
Final (-52 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-52 kg)
