Sarah Léonie Cysique takes revenge on Gjakova

The U57kg category in Kazachstan was going to be particularly tough. All you had to do was look a little closer at the line-up. At the very top, there was a certain Nora Gjakova (KOS), no less than the reigning Olympic champion and Olympic finalist Sarah Léonie Cysique (FRA). She was the silver medallist of the last Tokyo Games, behind a certain Nora Gjakova. Eventually this was going to be a repeat of the Olympic final, a dream for the organisation.

On the other hand, things went according to expectations for Gjakova and Cysique who offered themselves the possibility of replaying the final of Tokyo 2020 which had seen the victory of the Kosovar following the disqualification of the French judoka for a head-dive.

The left handed Cysique took control of the kumi-kata quickly to impose her power and energy and Gjakova seemed embarrassed with the rapidity and agility of her opponents. Taking advantage of her smaller size, the French judoka executed a beautiful utsuri-goshi for a clear ippon; definitely the best way to end the day.

In pool B, Veronica Toniolo (ITA) arrived with a bronze medal from Dushanbe only two weeks ago.

Finally in pool D, it was veteran Telma Monteiro (POR) who held the top of the ranks. We were quickly fixed for a Toniolo and Monteiro match-up. However, it was not their day in the end, either of them.

Qi Cai (CHN) and Acelya Toprak (GBR) qualified for the first match for a bronze medal. After a long golden score period Qi Cai was awarded the bronze medal as Acelya Toprak received her third penalty.

Arleta Podolak (POL) and Julię Beurskens (NED) gave themselves a chance to get on the podium. Julię Beurskens won the bronze medal after Arleta Podolak was penalised a third time for stepping out of the competition area.