Women’s -63 kg: Kaju Unstoppable, Klimkait Keeps Rising
There was little suspense surrounding the first semi-finalist in the -63 kg category, as reigning world champion Haruka Kaju (JPN) swept through the preliminaries with characteristic precision. She began with an osae-komi win with yoko-shiho-gatame against France’s Rania Drid, followed by another immobilisation victory over Maria Cruz (MEX). In the semi-final, she faced none other than former world and Olympic champion Rafaela Silva (BRA), a true test for both women. Yet, once again, Kaju prevailed decisively, pinning Silva for ippon and confirming her dominance.
On the other side of the draw, it was Nauana Silva (BRA) who secured her place in the semi-final after defeating Mina Libeer (GER) and Kaja Kajzer (SLO). Her opponent was expected to be Katarina Kristo (CRO), according to the world ranking, but Jessica Klimkait (CAN) had other plans. The former world champion and Olympic medallist at -57 kg, now thriving in her new weight category, extended her fine form after winning the Lima Grand Prix just a week earlier. With remarkable poise, Klimkait advanced to her second consecutive final.
The home crowd also had their moment of pride with Prisca Awiti Alcaraz (MEX), the Olympic silver medallist from Paris, making her long-awaited return to competition on home soil. In a grueling first match against Kerem Primo (ISR), both judoka delivered thrilling judo that captivated the Mexican audience. Exhausted but victorious, Awiti Alcaraz fell short in the quarter-finals against Klimkait, yet her spirit reignited the arena.
Men’s -73 kg: Heydarov Back in Command
The last few months have been challenging for Hidayat Heydarov (AZE). Having conquered everything in 2024, from the European and world championships to the Olympic Games, the question was not about his ability but about finding motivation anew. A first-round defeat in Lima last week raised doubts but in Guadalajara, Heydarov looked rejuvenated.
Focused, composed and precise, the Azerbaijani champion advanced through each round untroubled, reaffirming his trademark explosiveness in both throwing and groundwork. On the opposite half, Daniel Cargnin (BRA), last week’s winner in Lima, suffered a surprising early exit. It was Chusniddin Karimov (CZE), bronze medallist in Peru, who seized the opportunity to reach the final, ensuring himself another podium and at least one step higher this time.
Women’s -70 kg: Cvjetko Holds Her Ground
As expected, world number one Lara Cvjetko (CRO) carved a confident path to the final. After a tactical opening win over Martina Esposito (ITA), she overcame Olympic medallist Gabriella Willems (BEL) in the semi-final, securing victory by a single yuko.
In the lower half, Giorgia Stangherlin (ITA) was eliminated quickly by Kaillany Cardoso (BRA) via an o-uchi-gari for waza-ari, while Ida Eriksson (SWE), last week’s winner in Lima, struggled to replicate her form. Despite an early win, she was defeated by Dena Pohl (GER), who then went on to reach the final, a well-earned surprise appearance against Cvjetko.
Men’s -81 kg: Galandarzade and Ihanamaki Shine
The day began with a shock as top seed François Gauthier Drapeau (CAN) fell at the first hurdle to Dominic Rodriguez (USA) who scored a yuko with hiza-guruma. Rodriguez was then stopped by Vusal Galandarzade (AZE) who maintained his momentum and won against Leonardo Casaglia (ITA) with a series of sharp attacks, a waza-ari from an o-uchi-gari, followed by ippon-seoi-nage to reach the final.
In the other half, few expected Eetu Ihanamaki (FIN) to shine so brightly. Yet the Finnish judoka pieced together an exceptional run, defeating Samuel Ayala (MEX), Gabriel Falcao (BRA) and Medickson Del Orbe Cortorreal (DOM), all through well-timed counter-attacks, mostly kata-guruma and o-soto-gaeshi combinations. His timing and reading of opponents were masterful. In the semi-final, he pinned Zelim Tckaev (AZE) to claim his spot in the final.
The final thus promised an exciting clash between Vusal Galandarzade and Eetu Ihanamaki, embodying contrasting yet equally inspiring judo styles.
The Guadalajara preliminaries offered a rich tapestry of stories, champions reaffirming their supremacy, up-and-coming judoka proving their worth and the local crowd celebrating the spirit of judo. As the finals approach, anticipation runs high for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown.