Final, Hifumi Abe (JPN) vs David Garcia Torne (ESP).
It’s not out of line to say that Hifumi Abe had a difficult day in Baku. He fought long contests and couldn’t secure his usual rhythm. Yes, he won his matches, but it was tough and this added to Garcia Torne’s belief that he could take the gold. The Spanish judoka had also not delivered his best ippon judo but he had fought with great heart and found a way, no matter who stood in front of him.
Hifumi Abe put paid to any doubts! It took him one single, solitary minute to draw on all his strength, launching Garcia Torne with a massive seoi-nage for ippon. It was unequivocal; Hifumi Abe is still on top of the world and he now has a fifth world title to show for a hard day’s work.
Abe spoke candidly after his final, “After so many difficult contests, winning my fifth world title means even more to me; it feels incredible. I knew I had to be patient, especially at the beginning, to build the contest step by step. To finish it in my own style, with a strong ippon, makes it even more special. The support here gives me a huge amount of strength. Feeling the fans behind me gave me the energy and confidence to produce my best judo when it mattered most.
Now I have the gold and red back patches again and I want to keep them. There is another Olympic Games ahead and more world championship to come. I want to win those and continue proving myself at the very highest level.”
Bronze medal contest, Murad Chopanov (RUS) vs Denis Vieru (MDA).
Murad Chopanov has no Olympic or world medal but he is a European champion and has six grand slam medals, including three golds. His duo is explosive, surprising and entertaining, making him a challenging adversary for anyone.
Vieru’s CV is more impressive and he is known for his technical ability, the Olympic and double world medallist is an equally challenging opponent. This was going to be quite some fight!
A tiny counter from Vieru was all that separated them as the last seconds ticked away. There were attacks, counters and fantastic acrobatics on display throughout the contest and as they left the mat they shared a moment of quiet understanding and respect. It was impressive in every way.
Bronze medal contest, Baskhuu Yondonperenlei (MGL) vs Takeshi Takeoka (JPN).
Takeshi Takeoka, the 2025 world champion, was determined to step on to the podium in Baku and having lost his semi-final to his teammate, Hifumi Abe, it was Yondonperenlei who would have to handle his wrath. Not without his own experience, the Mongolian double world medallist intended to impose his strength but Takeoka gave him no space to breathe.
As the first minute passed, Takeoka threw Yondonperenlei for a waza-ari with an unorthodox tomoe-nage. Less than a minute later he did it again and ensured he would leave Azerbaijan with a medal.
Final (-66 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-66 kg)
