Hyeonji Lee claimed her first world title at +78kg, defeating former champion Romane Dicko to complete a dominant day. At +100kg, Inal Tasoev delivered a spectacular ippon against home favourite Ushangi Kokauri to secure his third world title and retain the red backpatch.
Today closes out the individual competition at the Baku World Judo Championships and it's time for the heavyweights to take centre stage in Azerbaijan.
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Before the finals, the traditional flag-passing ceremony was held to commemorate the closing of the event, as Azerbaijan passed the IJF flag to Kazakhstan - with Astana set to host the World Championships in 2027.
At +78kg, 19 year old Hyeonji LEE was on fire enroute to the final, with ippon in every contest. With a World bronze from last year, she would be feeling confident that this was her moment to claim the red backpatch.
Facing her was Romane DICKO, a former World Champion and no stranger to the podium. DICKO would be looking to regain the mantle and become a two time World Champion. Displaying a groundwork masterclass today, could she repeat her former success?
In the final, LEE continued her dominant run and bested DICKO with a waza-ari that transitioned into a hold down. The Korean had written her name into history. A composed finish to a remarkable day that sealed the biggest title of her career.
IOC Member Ms Yael ARAD awarded the medals.
In the +100kg category, reigning double World Champion Inal TASOEV had come to Baku to earn his third title and looked in complete control on his route through the draw. Powerful and assured throughout the day, he arrived in the final with another World gold firmly within reach.
His opponent was Azerbaijan’s own Ushangi KOKAURI. With the crowd behind him, he had the chance to turn their energy into the biggest victory of his career. Every roar from the stands added pressure, but also belief that a home World title was possible.
In the +100kg final, TASOEV delivered a moment of pure judo feeling to score ippon, and achieve an incredible third World title. TASOEV will wear the red backpatch for another year. A commanding finish underlined his status as the man to beat.
Azerbaijan Minister of Youth and Sport Mr Farid GAYIBOV awarded the medals.
Join us tomorrow in Baku where the Mixed Team competition kicks off.
3 men 3 women, one team, one goal.
Don’t miss it!