Rasoanaivo Razafy had no crisis of confidence going up against an experienced world medallist who also medals often on the World Judo Tour. She battled hard, attacking strongly but it wasn’t enough. Although Cvetko didn’t log a score, she controlled everything well and avoided all possible mistakes. The Madagascan collected penalties, the third arriving in golden score to seal her place on the second step of the podium.
Cvjetko takes gold, a great result, but Aina Laura Rasoanaivo Razafy’s silver medal marks Madagascar’s first ever World Judo Tour medal. It is an outstanding achievement underpinned by a great deal of hard work. Breaking barriers is never easy but Rasoanaivo Razafy has propelled through hers today as if they were never there.
The first bronze medal contest featured Kaja Schuster (SLO) and the host nation’s Yingying Feng. There was power from both, determination from both but only one had measured the rhythm correctly and with the full support of the crowd in the arena, Feng launched what began as a tsuri-gosh but finished as a massive uchi-mata, taking the win and the bronze by ippon.
Melkia Auchecorne (FRA) did not expect to be anywhere other than the final, despite her recent category change from a great position in the ranking at -63 kg. However, she is always committed to the cause and in the second bronze medal contest she offered Utana Terada (JPN) no leniency.
Just inside the second minute, the French youngster showed her ability, foot-sweeping Terada for waza-ari, very nearly ippon, with de-ashi-harai. It was a beauty! The hold almost followed but Terada was able to escape and continue to fight. As the last minute approached her efforts looked to be futile. The French athlete is worked on the ground as well as in tachi-waza, controlling the clock as much as her opponent. Terada had no answer.
Auchecorne’s seamless transition into the senior ranks is now mirrored by her response to a move of weight category, which appeared to be almost insignificant; insignificant perhaps to Melkia Auchecorne but her new opponents are definitely feeling it!
Final (-70 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-70 kg)
