By Euronews with IJF
Published on •Updated
The spotlight returns to Baku for day two of the World Judo Championships.
His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan attended the official opening of the event at which International Judo Federation President, Mr Marius Vizer and President of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, Rashad Nabiyev both spoke.
The crowd then enjoyed a spectacular opening ceremony.
With the two presidents watching, Ariane TORO SOLER was aiming for the -52kg World title. Ranked 5th, she had been in excellent form, battling with determination. With the biggest prize within reach she had one final challenge between her and gold : ABE Uta, Olympic and five-time World Champion.
She worked her way into the final with the experience and composure expected of a champion. She came through the preliminaries with confidence and responded under pressure. ABE kept finding the answers to keep her bid for another World title firmly on course.
In the final, the contest was tactical and hard won, but it was the Japanese legend who would retain her title for another year. The six time World champion has never been defeated at a World Championships.
OTP Group CEO Mr Peter CSANYI awarded the medals.
In the -66kg category, Uta’s brother ABE Hifumi was the one to beat. The double Olympic and four time World Champion was chasing yet another World title. The Japanese star made it to the final, but could he regain the red backpatch?
David GARCIA TORNE would be his opponent. Marching towards his first ever World Championships final, the Spanish judoka was on great form in the preliminaries.
When it came to the final, ABE proved decisively why he would take home his fifth World title with an enormous ippon that electrified the crowd. A fitting finish from one of judo’s biggest stars and another golden moment for the ABE siblings.
Olympic Council of Asia Vice President Mr Otabek UMAROV awarded the medals.
Another unforgettable day in Baku.