Soichi Hashimoto wins fourth Masters title

One of the surprises of the second day of the Masters in Budapest was Behruzi Khojazoda (TJK) who confirmed the good form of Tajik judo, especially since the first edition of the Dushanbe Grand Prix. During the matchday for men U73kg Khojazoda allowed himself to beat the reigning world champion, Nils Stump (SUI) who released his brand new red bib here in Budapest. In the final though he had to face Soichi Hashimoto (JPN). At the Masters athletes of 59 countries, the best in the sport and 14 Olympic champions and 33 world champions among the participants. What a crown to win here, Hashimoto though did it for the fourth time.

Half way to the end, there were two shido apiece as both competitors were battling for the grip but were not able to create any powerful opportunities. In this tactical match, it was eventually Hashimoto who proved to be a bit more active, pushing Behruzi Khojazoda to be penalised a third time. The gold medal was Hashimoto’s. Maybe it wasn’t his best day but he led seriously through the competition to add a fourth Masters title to his impressive collection. 2022 world champion Tsogtbaatar Tsend-Ochir ended in the first round against Hashimoto. Khojazoda (TJK) at -73kg was amazing today, taking out Lombardo (ITA) as well.

Petru Pelivan (MDA) and Murodjon Yuldoshev (UZB) faced off in the first match for a bronze medal. Pelivan and Yuldoshev both fought hard, neither willing to give up for the other. The time passed with close call after close call but nothing conclusive. Penalties came but they didn’t interrupt the flow. At the beginning of golden score, with two shido each, both came out with increased determination, Pelivan almost scoring with an o-uchi-gari but Yuldoshev unwilling to offer the necessary landing. Yuldoshev then increased the pressure and came close with an osoto-otoshi but it was still not enough. The Moldovan fighters always fight hard and with everything they have. They bring power and heart and it is great to see.

There was then almost a hold down for the Uzbek but Pelivan quickly trapped his leg;, this contest not slowing for a second. 4 minutes and 45 seconds into golden score and the pace had stayed just as high throughout. At 5 minutes though, a false attack from Yuldoshev brought a third penalty and it must have felt like a harsh end to the contest but also it was to be expected after such a high energy medal match. Both were impressive.

Times were difficult for the top favourites of the competition at U73kg. Hidayat Heydarov (AZE), seeded number one, started his tournament well by knocking out Tohar Butbul (ISR) in the first round but in the next contest he was eliminated when a third penalty was inflicted on him, while fighting against Georgian Giorgi Terashvili.

Georgia offered itself a medal by qualifying its two athletes, Lasha Shavdatuashvili (GEO) and Giorgi Terashvili (GEO) for the match for the second bronze medal. Shavdatuashvili scored a first waza-ari as the last minute of the match had already well begun, with a clever ashi-waza which he doubled a handful of seconds later, this time with sasae-tsuri-komi-ashi. The bronze medal was for Shavdatuashvili.

Six athletes with 4 Masters victories:

Miku Takaichi 4 gold and silver

Soichi Hashimoto 4 gold and silver

Distria Krasniqi 4 gold and silver

Kim Polling 4 gold

Teddy Riner 4 gold

Sumiya Dorjsuren 4 gold