A penalty-tight final, European bronze highlights, and Kaju stays perfect in Tbilisi

Haruka Kaju (JPN) left Tbilisi with U63kg gold and another line added to a growing unbeaten story. Arriving in Georgia with the red back patch as reigning world champion, she once again looked like the reference point of the category. Since her breakthrough, she has entered seven IJF World Tour and continental events—and she has taken gold every time.

Her early rounds set the tone. Kaju opened with a ne-waza win over Sara Golden (USA), then produced a crisp Ippon with a left-sided O-soto-gari against Laura Vazquez Fernandez (ESP). A quarter-final victory over Enkhriilen Lkhagvatogoo (MGL) completed a convincing route into the title match.

When two world champions meet, every grip and every step suddenly matters.

The final brought a headline opponent: Joanne van Lieshout (NED), the 2024 world title holder. The Dutch judoka had looked sharp earlier, finishing Louna-Lumia Seikkula (FIN) with an arm lock, beating Anna Kriza (HUN) by Osaekomi, and then moving past Kaja Kajzer (SLO) in the semi-final.

Instead of a back-and-forth battle, the contest turned into a test of control and discipline. Van Lieshout picked up an early Shido for stepping outside the contest area and a second for passivity, never quite finding a stable gripping rhythm. In the final minute a third Shido decided it, handing Kaju the win on penalties and reinforcing the sense that she’s mastering the tactical side of this Olympic cycle.

Europe still had plenty to celebrate on the podium. Kaja Kajzer (SLO) claimed bronze by countering Gaëtane Deberdt (FRA) after a balanced contest, while Iva Oberan (CRO) snatched her bronze with a late Yuko against Lkhagvatogoo when golden score seemed inevitable. Olympic champion Tina Trstenjak presented the medals, adding a fitting U63kg touch to the ceremony.

Source: JudoInside