Haruka Kaju extended her unbeaten World Judo Tour run to 40 contests, defending her -63kg world title against Kerem Primo. At -81kg, Tato Grigalashvili defeated home favourite Zelim Tckaev to claim his fourth world title and return to the top of the podium.
Baku is the stage for the middleweights on day 4 of the World Judo Championships.
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At -63kg, reigning World Champion KAJU Haruka has never lost a contest on the World Judo Tour, and here in Baku she was determined to keep that record intact. She confidently earned her place in the final, aiming to keep her red backpatch for another year and continue her remarkable run.
She’d face Kerem PRIMO, who was entering not only her first World Championship final, but her first ever World Judo Tour final. It was the biggest moment of her career, and standing across from her would be one of the sport’s most formidable champions.
In the final, KAJU used her trademark groundwork to take control of the contest. Once in ne-waza, the Japanese judoka was clinical, extending her unbeaten run to 40 contests and taking her place at the top of the podium in Baku.
Football Legend Mr Lothar MATTHÄUS awarded the medals.
Triple World Champion, Georgian legend Tato GRIGALASHVILI was here to add a fourth World title to his collection in the -81kg category. After settling for silver last year, one of judo’s most dominant forces had another World gold firmly within his reach.
Facing him was Azerbaijan’s own Zelim TCKAEV who was looking to upgrade last year's World bronze medal to a history making World gold in his home nation. With the support of his home fans cheering on, could he rise to the challenge and become World Champion?
The atmosphere was electric as the final got underway, and GRIGALASHVILI rose to the occasion. The Georgian delivered when it mattered most, securing victory and with it a fourth World title, further cementing his place among judo’s modern greats.
Azerbaijan Judo Federation President Mr Rashad NABIYEV awarded the medals.
That’s it for day 4 in the land of fire.