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Unexpected falls for favourites at the World Judo Championships in Qatar

The sixth day of the Judo World Championships in Doha was on the agenda. And on Friday there were to be surprises again.

In the women’s 78 kg category, Inbar Lanir was in absolute top form. She cleared her opponents out of the way with several ippons. The Israeli did not let anyone stop her on her way to the final, not even the world number one Alice Bellandi.

She then faced Audrey Tcheumeo from France in the final. The 2011 world champion wanted to prove to everyone that she is still ready for a title. And she showed it with great throws.

There was a very high level battle from both sides. In the end it was Lanir who won the fight and became world champion. Afterwards, she said she enjoyed being here, the atmosphere was great, said the 23-year-old.

There was a big surprise in the men’s 100 kg category. The reigning world champion Muzaffarbek Turoboyev was already out in round one. The world championship title seemed to be within reach for many judoka.

Such as for the two-time Olympic and double World Champion Lukáš Krpálek, who wanted to prove that he still belongs to the greats in judo. In the preliminary round, the Czech put on a real ne-waza show.

Arman Adamian, who competed for the Independent Neutral Athletes, arrived in Doha as a multiple Grand Slam winner. The 26-year-old made it to the final with his powerful techniques.

There, both he and Krpálek had their chances, but in the end it was Adamian who prevailed with dominant judo. “To be honest, I still can’t believe that I am the world champion,” said the Belarusian. He had had a long journey and lost several fights, “but now I have won the title. “

On Saturday the heavyweights will enter the tatami. You can then look forward to the king of this category: Teddy Riner. The Frenchman is back at a World Championship since 2017 and wants to secure his eleventh world title in Qatar.

By Frank