The bronze medal contests also promised high-level judo, with Samariddin Muxibiddinov (UZB) facing Joshua De Lange (NED) and an all-Serbian clash between Dusan Grahovac and Mihajlo Simin. With such a balance between raw power and refined skill, the -81 kg final block was set to close the day in style.
Final
Akhmed Turluev (IJF) vs Haru Akita (JPN)
In the final, the contest began at a measured pace before Turluev seized the advantage with what seemed to be a well-timed seoi-otoshi but after video review, the score was annulled. What followed was a gripping duel, Turluev’s power against Akita’s technique. With less than a minute to go, Turluev narrowly escaped a dangerous stranglehold from the Japanese judoka, surviving by sheer willpower. In golden score, Akita finally found the opening he had been searching for, using a perfectly executed ko-soto-gari to score a decisive yuko, sealing Japan’s victory and claiming a fifth gold medal of the tournament.
Bronze Medal Contests
Dusan Grahovac (SRB) vs Mihajlo Simin (SRB)
As expected, the Serbian teammates knew each other inside out, leading to a tactical and tightly contested bout. It remained deadlocked until the final moments, when Simin surprised Grahovac with a sharp sumi-gaeshi, scoring ippon to claim the bronze.
Samariddin Muxibiddinov (UZB) vs Joshua De Lange (NED)
The contest went the distance and on into golden score. Muxibiddinov, trailing on penalties, had no room for error but stayed composed. Taking advantage of a brief lapse in concentration from De Lange, he launched a clean yuko-scoring throw, earning a hard-fought bronze for Uzbekistan.
Final (-81 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-81 kg)
