In less than thirty seconds, Gauthier Drapeau launched himself underneath his opponent with a powerful sode-tsuri-komi-goshi to score a yuko, a reward that felt modest considering the effort and spectacular execution of the technique. Tasuev had clearly landed on his side and the score stood. The Canadian judoka soon increased his lead with a magnificent o-soto-gari, this time earning waza-ari and showcasing the full power of his throwing ability.
At the same time, Gauthier Drapeau collected two penalties, leaving him vulnerable to a catastrophic third, which would have been a harsh outcome given the quality of his judo. Having demonstrated technical mastery, he now needed tactical discipline; he delivered it superbly. François Gauthier Drapeau secured the gold medal for Canada with authority, his second gold medal in a grand slam.
The bronze-medal contests also carried high expectations. Timo Cavelius (GER) faced Victor Sterpu (MDA) in a bout between two experienced and tactically sharp judoka, while Gadzhidavud Gasanov (BRN) met Sunatullo Musoev (TJK) in what promised to be a physically intense and tightly contested battle for the remaining medal. That promise was fulfilled and it was only in golden score that Musoev dropped underneath his opponent with a last-chance seoi-otoshi, earning a waza-ari and securing a second medal for Tajikistan on day two of the competition.
In the second bronze-medal contest, the opening exchanges were cautious, both judoka studying the other carefully. Midway through the contest, Cavelius launched an attack that lacked preparation, giving Sterpu the perfect opportunity to close in, hook the German’s supporting leg and drive him onto his back for ippon, bringing home a bronze medal for Moldova.
Final (-81 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-81 kg)
