It was a difficult final for both competitors. They have a deep knowledge of each other’s technical range and neither wanted to be the first to make a mistake which could be capitalised on with huge consequences. This closed the contest down somewhat and so penalties were the decider. Kim took the win as she maintained composure and posture more consistently, Arai dropping without kuzushi too many times. Hayun Kim was now a senior world champion!
In the first bronze medal contest, Marit Kamps (NED) and Hyeonji Lee (KOR) both came out raring to go, gripping hard and looking for the opportunities to score. Exactly two minutes into the contest Lee made the space required and engaged with a fast, spinning ashi-guruma which scored ippon. The bronze medal would be heading to Korea.
In the second bronze medal contest, a metaphorical David and Goliath situation could have been on the cards. Emma-Melis Aktas (EST), only just arriving from her cadet years, a first year junior, faced world and Olympic medallist, French star Romane Dicko. This could have been a huge upset for France but Dicko ensured there would be no more mistakes in Budapest.
It was not as clear-cut as Dicko would have liked, Aktas not backing off or showing any fear. She attacked well but Dicko was better. At the halfway mark Dicko threw for a yuko and then held for waza-ari, Aktas escaping before the final bell but then Dicko relaxed and Aktas continued to attack, looking to redress the balance but it wasn’t enough. Dicko had another world medal to add to her CV. Aktas finishes in 5th place; an incredible day for the young Estonian.
Bronze Medal Fights (+78 kg)
Final Results (+78 kg)
