Olympic champ Bellandi adds World gold after a gripping final. In -100kg, Kanikovskiy delivers a brilliant performance to claim his first World title. Day 6 closes with two memorable victories and sets the stage for tomorrow’s heavyweight showdowns.
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It’s day 6 of the OTP Bank World Judo Championships.
At -78kg, Germany’s Anna Monta OLEK stepped onto the tatami with confidence. Already a Grand Slam winner and one of the most consistent young talents in the category. OLEK arrived in Budapest ready to challenge the world’s best and prove that she belongs among them. Could this be her moment?
Facing her was Italy’s Alice BELLANDI – the reigning Olympic Champion and one of the most dominant forces in the category. With her trademark intensity and experience on her side, BELLANDI was out to add the World title to her already impressive resume. Her sights were on gold.
In the final, everything was on the line. After an intense Golden Score it was Alice BELLANDI who came out with the World title after finding the opening she needed and sealing the victory with a decisive score. Reigning Olympic, and now World Champion. Undisputed and unstoppable, BELLANDI stands alone at the top.
Minister of the Prime-Minister’s Office of Hungary Mr Gergely GULYÁS awarded the medals.
At -100kg, Matvey KANIKOVSKIY was in fantastic form, driving his way through the preliminaries and into the final. With confident judo, he controlled his contests and his intent was clear. He was headed for the biggest moment of his career.
Dota ARAI was the man who would contest the gold medal match. Throughout the day he showed grit and determination to power past his opponents!
In the final, it was Matvey KANIKOVSKIY who rose to the occasion. Scoring with a waza-ari and transitioning into osaekomi. Ippon – and with it, the red backpatch. A dominant finish to an outstanding day.
MET Group Chairman & CEO Mr Benjamin LAKATOS awarded the medals.
Join us tomorrow for the heavyweights!