With her rank as world number one, Melkia Auchecorne (FRA) arrived in Odivelas with certainties, that she had the capacity to win, but with doubts perhaps also, given that the other categories had not necessarily been easy for the top seeds. What is certain is that she did not show many doubts on her way to reaching the final. In a dynamic and powerful style, with a certain amount of risk-taking, she eliminated each of the opponents who stood in her way.
Final Melkia Auchecorne (FRA) vs Mizuki Takaki (JPN)

In the second half of the draw, it was Mizuki Takaki (JPN) who fought her way through the elimination stages to give Japan another chance at a gold medal, the sixth of these world championships.

Junior world champion, Melkia Auchecorne (FRA)

Looking at the first part of the final, Melkia Auchecorne could have had regrets. Obviously stronger than her opponent and potentially more dangerous, she seemed to be walking with a low pace, totally out of energy and giving away opportunities to win an important world title but in golden score, two shido behind and in danger, the French judoka executed a seoi-otoshi that was awarded a waza-ari. Melkia Auchecorne won the gold and with this title, France climbs the ladder to enter the top ten nations.

Bronze medal contest, Nina Simic (CRO) vs Anna Kriza (HUN)

Nina Simic (CRO) and Anna Kriza (HUN) faced one another in the first bronze medal contest. When Anna Kriza launched her ko-soto-gari, she put 100 percent of her power into it, but Nina Simic executed the perfect move and with a brilliant ko-uchi-sukashi, she drove her opponent flat on her back for ippon and a bronze medal.

Bronze medal contest, Jimin Yang (KOR) vs Martyna Glubiak (POL)
Bronze medallist, Martyna Glubiak (POL)

The last bronze medal contest saw Jimin Yang (KOR) and Martyna Glubiak (POL) stepping on to the tatami to determine who will go to the podium. Golden score started with one shido apiece. Jimin Yang was penalised two more times, offering the victory and the medal to Martyna Glubiak.

Medal, cheques and flowers were presented by Mr Ki-Young Jeon, Head Referee Director of the International Judo Federation, and Profs Luis Monteiro, High-Performance Coordinator for the Portuguese Judo Federation

Final (-63 kg)

Bronze Medal Fights (-63 kg)

See also