The bronze medal contests featured a mix of seasoned and ambitious competitors, with Ronal Lima (BRA), Ruslan Pashayev (AZE), Mykyta Holoborodko (UKR), and Rashad Yelkiyev (AZE) ensuring a finale packed with intensity and drama.
Final
Julien Frascadore (CAN) vs Valerio Accogli (ITA)
The final unfolded as a balanced and lively contest with both judoka launching well-timed attacks but without creating any decisive openings. After four minutes, the scoreboard remained completely empty, no scores, no penalties, a testament to the even nature of the bout. As the golden score period progressed, fatigue began to show for Frascadore and the first penalty eventually fell his way after more than three minutes. A second soon followed, putting the Canadian under increasing pressure. It was then, in a moment of precision and patience, that Valerio Accogli seized his chance, scoring waza-ari to claim the gold medal after a demanding and tactical encounter.
Bronze Medal Contests
Ronal Lima (BRA) vs Ruslan Pashayev (AZE)
The bout between Lima and Pashayev remained undecided during normal time, both judoka defending strongly and seeking small openings. Early in golden score, Ruslan Pashayev managed to turn Lima’s attack to his advantage, countering effectively to bring his opponent close to the mat for a clear waza-ari. That was enough to secure the bronze medal for Azerbaijan, rewarding Pashayev’s composure and counter-attacking instinct.
Mykyta Holoborodko (UKR) vs Rashad Yelkiyev (AZE)
Holoborodko began the contest aggressively, scoring an early yuko with a sharp ko-soto-gari. Yelkiyev, however, responded with an o-uchi-gari for waza-ari, taking the lead. The Ukrainian judoka kept pressing forward and managed to score another yuko but it wasn’t enough. As Holoborodko’s hand rose too high during an exchange, Yelkiyev capitalised instantly, executing a clean seoi-otoshi for a second waza-ari. That secured both the win and a second bronze medal of the day for Azerbaijan, a strong statement of consistency from their -66 kg team.
Final (-66 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-66 kg)
