Final
Michel Augusto (BRA) vs Balabay Aghayev (AZE)
The final was a display of pure intensity, with both judoka launching attack after attack in quick succession. It wasn’t until the last minute that the first penalties appeared, one apiece, keeping the tension high. Everything was still possible! Perhaps a little too eager to take the initiative, Michel Augusto attempted an o-uchi-gari that lacked full commitment against an opponent of Aghayev’s calibre. The Azerbaijani blocked the attack and countered immediately with a precise ko-soto-gari for ippon, sealing a brilliant victory and the gold medal.
Bronze Medal Contests
Jonathan Charon (CUB) vs Jorre Verstraeten (BEL)
After less than a minute, Jonathan Charon took a clear lead with a powerful ippon-ko-uchi-gari that was close to scoring a full ippon. Verstraeten fell further behind when he conceded a yuko from a well-executed seoi-otoshi, but managed to stay in the contest, responding with a yuko of his own after anticipating Charon’s next attack perfectly. As time ran out, Verstraeten equalised with a waza-ari, sending the bout into golden score. It took three additional minutes before the Belgian produced a classic seoi-otoshi for ippon, earning a hard-fought bronze medal.
Ahmad Yusifov (AZE) vs Enzo Jean (FRA)
An early counter from Yusifov against Jean earned him the first yuko. Despite the relentless pace imposed by the French judoka, Ahmad Yusifov maintained his composure and the scoreline advantage to secure the bronze medal.
Final (-60 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-60 kg)
