Each gave the other a rigorous test of physical adaptability, changing direction and squeezing into unexpected spaces to both attack and defend. The only difference between them, at first, appeared to be Tato’s unwillingness to engage in ne-waza and Arbuzov was more than happy to exploit that at every opportunity.
Thoroughly fascinating, the contest went into golden score without anyone really noticing. No penalties had been given, no scores either and everyone was enthralled by the judo chess in front of them. In time, there was a shido to one and then the other, and then again but no-one wanted it to end that way, least of all the judoka.
Unfortunately for Grigalashvili, a cut to his eye sustained in the quarter-final, proved to be disturbing, continuing to open up, overcoming all attempts by the medical team to stem the flow. It was close to being decisive but both were determined to keep fighting. Timur Arbuzov then delivered a touch of magic, faking to the right and then switching left in a heartbeat, throwing the triple world champion for ippon to earn his own title. Bravo!
In the first bronze medal contests, two physical and dynamic fighters took to the mat to give the spectators a great show. Nugzar Tatalashvili (UAE), on great form all day, was ready to attack straight away but Zelim Tckaev (AZE) can attack, throw and also transition to the ground and so the first exchange almost ended with Tckaev holding Tatalashvili down; there was a near-armlock moment too!
Furiously fast gripping was key in the second exchange and Tckaev won that round as well, almost throwing with uchi-mata, save for some acrobatics from the UAE judoka who scrambled to stay on his front. Tckaev was leading throughout and Tatalashvili earned himself two penalties because of it and they were all that was visible on the scoreboard as the clocked arrived at zero.
In golden score Tckaev played a clever game, staying away from risk, staying ahead on attacks and staying in control of the distance. This plan was sound and the third shido came, offering Tckaev a world bronze medal.
In the second bronze medal contest Joonhwan Lee (KOR) was shocked by Tojiev’s (UZB) aggressiveness and went down by a yuko early on but it was short-lived! Lee scored a waza-ari first, as if completely refreshed and read to begin again. He then spun under Tojiev in the very next exchange, with a the fastest seoi-otoshi of the day, to score ippon and win himself a third senior world bronze in as many years. The twenty-two year old Korean is a phenomenal prospect for the coming years, fearless, technical and embodying the judo values.
Final (-81 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-81 kg)
Final Results (-81 kg)
