By Euronews with IJF
Published on
Welcome to day 3 of the OTP Bank World Judo Championships here in Budapest!
In the -57 kg, World bronze and silver medallist Momo TAMAOKI was here to finally claim the elusive World title. She fought her way through the preliminaries and earned her place in the final for the second time.
There she met Georgia’s Eteri LIPARTELIANI, a rising star who made it to her first World final after an outstanding day of judo. She impressed the crowd with her big techniques and fearless approach to every contest. With momentum on her side and the world title within reach, she stepped onto the tatami ready to challenge for gold.
In the final, it was LIPARTELIANI who dominated the contest, controlling the pace from the very beginning. With two big waza-ari scores she left no doubt as to who deserved the victory, earning herself the coveted red backpatch. In front of a roaring Budapest crowd, she delivered the performance of her career and etched her name into the history books as she became the first ever female World Champion for Georgia. A truly landmark moment for her and her country.
Former President of Croatia & IOC Member Mrs Kolinda GRABAR-KITAROVIC awarded the medals.
In the -73 kg, Joan-Benjamin GABA was having the best run of his career, scoring ippon in every contest on his way to the final. It was no holds barred from the Frenchman, who fought with fearless commitment, determined to make this his moment. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, GABA’s eyes were fixed on one goal – walking away with the world title.
In the final he would face Daniel CARGNIN who was looking to upgrade his previous bronze to gold. Could the Brazilian take the top spot?
The pressure was on in golden score and the first point would win the title. A waza-ari from GABA was enough to claim the top spot on the podium. A golden moment that crowned the performance of a lifetime. A fearless run to the top of the world.
ANOCA President & IOC Member Mr Mustapha BERRAF awarded the medals.
From beautiful Budapest, that’s all for Day 3.