The final took time to unfold. For four minutes, each judoka neutralised the other, neither able to break through or impose a definitive rhythm. A golden score period was required to separate them and the wait proved worthwhile. Mukunoki delivered a superb uchi-mata, executed with precision and elegance, securing ippon and claiming her first grand slam gold medal.
The bronze-medal contests presented two intriguing duels: Yuli Alma Mishiner (ISR) against Anne Fatoumata M Bairo (FRA) and Nominzul Dambadarjaa (MGL) against Erica Simonetti (ITA).
In the first contest, Yuli Alma Mishiner gained the upper hand with a tactical performance that allowed her to finish with one penalty fewer than her French opponent. In the second bout, it was Simonetti who produced the decisive action. Anticipating Dambadarjaa’s ashi-waza attempt, she countered smoothly and rolled the Mongolian judoka onto her back with almost effortless timing. It was ippon and a first grand slam medal for the young Italian.
Final (+78 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (+78 kg)
