Tasoev Claims Heavyweight Gold as Krpalek Adds Another World Medal

Inal Tasoev took the +100 kg world title in Baku, producing an Ippon finish against home favourite Ushangi Kokauri. The Russian heavyweight secured his third world championship gold after a final defined by powerful grips, crowd pressure and one decisive counter.

Kokauri entered the final in strong form and had the arena firmly behind him. The Azerbaijani judoka attacked with O-uchi-gari, looking to turn that support into a breakthrough. Tasoev stayed alert, stepped away from the danger and answered with Te-waza for Ippon.

The result gave Tasoev another major title in an already remarkable career. After the contest, he acknowledged the crowd’s support for Kokauri while underlining that his focus had been on winning the title. He also named an Olympic gold as his next target.

Tasoev’s counter ended the final in a single, decisive exchange.

The European spotlight also fell on Lukas Krpalek, who collected bronze with a composed performance against Finland’s Martti Puumaleinen. Krpalek, a world and Olympic champion across two weight categories, was back in a major-event final block at the age of 35.

Against Puumaleinen, the Czech judoka attacked from the start. He scored Waza-ari with a close-contact Tomoe-nage, then held his Finnish opponent for ten seconds to secure the medal by Ippon. It was Krpalek’s seventh world championship medal, another addition to one of judo’s most accomplished careers.

Puumaleinen finished fifth, while Netherlands judoka Jur Spijkers placed seventh in the +100 kg category. The division again showed its depth, with established champions and ambitious heavyweights fighting for every position.

The second bronze-medal contest was an all-Azerbaijani contest between Kanan Nasibov and Dzhamal Gamzatkhanov. Their tactical contest went to penalties, with Nasibov taking bronze as Gamzatkhanov was penalised for insufficient control and preparation in his attacks.

Kokauri’s silver and Nasibov’s bronze contributed to Azerbaijan’s seven-medal tally at the championships. But the final word in the heavyweight category belonged to Tasoev, whose calm response under pressure delivered the title.

Krpalek’s Tomoe-nage and hold-down brought Czech judo another world medal.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation