The fifth day of the World Judo Championships in Baku continued with high-stakes competition on the tatami. In the women's -70kg category, Ai Tsunoda Roustant reached her first senior World Championships final. Having previously achieved success as a cadet and junior world champion, she navigated the draw to reach the final contest, where she faced Michaela Polleres.
Polleres entered the match with significant experience, holding Olympic silver and bronze medals alongside two World Championship bronze medals.
The final was a tactical battle that required a Golden Score period to decide the winner. Ultimately, the Spaniard Tsunoda Roustant secured the victory, marking the biggest achievement of her career. International Judo Federation Head Referee Director Mr. Juan Carlos Barcos presented the medals for the division.
In the men's -90kg category, reigning World Champion Sanshiro Murao showcased his talent throughout the day. His path to the final included a victory over a double Olympic champion, followed by a decisive ippon in the semi-final. Murao faced Goki Tajima in the final, a rematch of the previous year’s World Championship gold medal bout. Tajima, a former World Champion, provided a stern test in an all-Japanese showdown.
Murao delivered a high-impact performance when it mattered most, scoring a massive ippon to bring the contest to a dramatic conclusion. By securing this win, Murao successfully retained his title, becoming a two-time World Champion in Baku. The medals were awarded by International Judo Federation Executive Committee Member and Kodokan President Mr. Haruki Uemura.
