The fifth day of the World Judo Championships in Baku delivered two finals that showcased both tactical grit and explosive power. In the -70kg category, Spain's Ai Tsunoda Roustant captured her first senior world title, while Japan's Sanshiro Murao defended his -90kg crown in emphatic fashion.
A tactical triumph for Tsunoda Roustant
Tsunoda Roustant, a former cadet and junior world champion, entered her first senior World Championships final with a clear head and a game plan. Her path through the draw had been impressive, but standing between her and the coveted red backpatch was Austria's Michaela Polleres, an Olympic silver and bronze medallist with two World Championship bronzes to her name.
Polleres, known for her composure on the biggest stages, started strongly, but Tsunoda Roustant matched her intensity. The contest went to golden score, where the Spaniard's patience and tactical discipline paid off. A well-timed attack sealed the victory, giving her the biggest win of her career.
“It's always amazing to go to a final at a World Championships, this type of show, how they do it, how they do everything is spectacular.”
International Judo Federation Head Referee Director Juan Carlos Barcos presented the medals, capping a memorable day for the Spanish judoka.
Murao's ippon for the ages
In the -90kg category, reigning world champion Sanshiro Murao had already made a statement earlier in the day by defeating double Olympic champion Lasha Bekauri. A huge ippon in the semi-final set up a rematch of last year's world final against fellow Japanese judoka Goki Tajima, a former world champion himself.
The all-Japanese final was a repeat of the 2023 title match, and both men knew exactly what was at stake. Murao, however, was in devastating form. Midway through the contest, he launched a textbook uchi-mata that sent Tajima crashing to the mat for a clean ippon, bringing the bout to a dramatic and decisive end.
With that throw, Murao retained his title and became a two-time world champion, cementing his place among the elite in the -90kg division. His performance in Baku has been a masterclass in attacking judo, and he now sets his sights on further success, including the upcoming Olympic cycle.
The championships continue in Baku, with more European judoka looking to make their mark. The event has already seen strong performances from across the continent, and the level of competition remains exceptionally high.
