Lisa Caravello (AUS), the second seed, went out early, pushed by an American athlete who also didn’t make the last 6. Caravello and Rika Hirose (-52 kg) were two of Australia’s biggest hopes of this world championships but neither made it to the final block, leaving just one medal-hope for Oceania on day 3.
Final: Jagoda Ciupek (POL) vs Inzhu Zhumazhan (KAZ).
Jagoda Ciupek has powerful judo with an especially strong drive on her rear techniques. Zhumazhan found this out in the first exchange of their -57 kg final when Ciupek threw with o-uchi-gari for a huko; it was unavoidable.
Two more o-uchi-gari attacks came in quick succession, each scoring a waza-ari to deliver the title to Poland in just a minute and a half.
After the final, Jagoda Ciupek said, “This victory means so much to me, but it is all thanks to my judo, my coach's judo and everything we do together. Without him this wouldn't have been possible. I am also so grateful to my training partners, my family, the federation president, and everyone who supported me. Hearing the Polish anthem played because of my title fills me with immense pride and gives me the drive to keep pushing forward. Right now, I just want to hug my coach and my family.”
Bronze medal contest: Nicola Daria Manaila (CAN) vs Helea Bailleul (FRA).
In an active and even thrilling contest, between two very capable and exciting prospects, it was the Canadian judoka who scored first, a yuko; ko-uchi-gake was the means. A little later she scored again, despite Bailleul putting her under a lot of pressure with her kumi-kata.
In the last minute, Manaila began to show signs of cracking and struggled to keep her posture. She had 2 penalties with 30 seconds to go and therefore had to keep her head. It was very close but Manaila managed it, much to the disappointment of Helea Bailleul.
Bronze medal contest: Zuhra Alimova (UZB) vs Yura Obikane (JPN).
This was a fantastic contest! Their determination and sporting ability far outshone their years. Attacks came from one and then the other, accompanied by brilliant escapes. The first 4 minutes kept everyone on the edge of their seats but in golden score, Yura Obikane changed tactics and as is often the case with her senior counterparts she deferred to ne-waza and held her opponent down. Japan had a new cadet world medallist.
Final (-57 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-57 kg)
Final Results (-57 kg)
