Bibitko Ends -81 kg Final in Just 29 Seconds

Itay Bibitko delivered a lightning-fast finish in the -81 kg final in Naples, defeating Norway’s Martin Brekke-Jenssen with Ippon after only 29 seconds. The Israeli judoka’s decisive Sode-tsurikomi-goshi brought the contest to an immediate end and secured gold for Israel.

By reaching the final, Brekke-Jenssen had already secured at least silver for Norway at the U23 European Judo Championships. The meeting with Bibitko would decide whether he could turn that medal into gold.

For Bibitko, the title followed a difficult season. In the EJU report, he described repeated defeats on the international circuit and said he approached Naples with less fear of losing. Winning gold gave the Israeli judoka a welcome result after those setbacks.

Bibitko ended Norway’s hopes of gold in this final. From the opening hajime, he acted quickly and produced a spectacular Sode-tsurikomi-goshi for Ippon. The final was over before it had time to develop into a longer tactical battle.

Bibitko needed only 29 seconds to decide the -81 kg final.

The result gave Israel the gold medal, while Brekke-Jenssen took silver for Norway. His defeat in the final did not undo the medal he had secured by reaching it.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union