Cvjetko Leads a Crowded Chase for Baku's -70 kg Crown

Lara Cvjetko brings the world number one ranking to Baku's -70 kg Judo contest, but the Croatian is still chasing the title that has eluded her in three world finals. One came at junior level and two at senior level. The World Championships offer another chance to turn a final appearance into gold.

Her part of the draw already presents serious opposition. Italy's Giorgia Stangherlin and Spain's Ai Tsunoda Roustant are among the athletes to follow in Cvjetko's quarter. Tsunoda Roustant could draw encouragement from the Spanish team's strong performances in Azerbaijan, although progress through the bracket still has to be earned.

Germany has two names with podium potential. Olympic silver medallist Miriam Butkereit is a leading contender, while Giovanna Scoccimaro could also influence the competition further down the draw. Greece's Elisavet Teltsidou adds another threat: despite sitting outside Baku's top eight seeds, she arrives after a victory in Budapest only a few weeks ago.

Pool C brings together several experienced challengers. Australia's Aoife Coughlan could face Austria's Michaela Polleres, a two-time Olympic medallist. Madina Taimazova, another Olympic medallist, is also in that section. Those possible meetings underline how demanding the route to the medal contests could become.

Japan's Shiho Tanaka is a significant presence in pool D, where Sweden's Ida Eriksson also has an opportunity to make an impact. With challengers spread across the draw, Cvjetko's ranking gives the competition a clear starting point rather than a guaranteed outcome. Her search for world gold meets a field with several credible podium ambitions.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation