The second day of the Hungary World Judo Masters in Budapest (HUN) was dominated by European athletes. Three out of the four possible titles went to EJU nations. The gold medal round was opened by surprise winner Laura FAZLIU (KOS), who took revenge on Miku TAKAICHI (JPN) for her Masters final defeat in Jerusalem in the -63 kg gold medal bout. “I have always dreamed of a win like this. I was aware that I could win a medal. But gold today, that’s even for me a total surprise. Only before the final did I briefly think about the victory. I knew that I had learned from my mistakes in Jerusalem. I was able to put that into practice,” beamed the 22-year-old.
Less surprising was the premiere victory of Sanne VAN DIJKE (-70). After Masters bronze and silver, the 28-year-old Dutchwoman finally won the long-awaited gold medal in Budapest – and in the third final duel with Elisavet TELTSIDOU (GRE). “I am incredibly relieved to have finally won the title and the first final this year. That feels really good. Today went according to plan from the beginning. I was focused and quickly in rhythm. I am a bit sorry that the third shido in the final decided in my favour. I would have liked to win with a score – that is more my style. But it wasn’t my fault. I wanted to attack, just a bit more cautiously than in the last two finals. I managed that very well.” Asked about Paris 2024, the world number four said, “I want Olympic gold. The Masters title proofs, that on a good day I can beat all the top opponents.”
Matthias CASSE (BEL/-81) had the joy of his second Masters triumph after 2019 written all over his face. “Of course it feels good to be on top again after my runner-up title at the World Championships. Even more so in Budapest, in the hall where I won the world title in 2021. I really enjoy fighting here. Today was a very good day, especially with my performance in the final and my decisive throw (Yoko-Tomoenage). I just saw it again in slow motion. That was according to plan,” said the 26-year-old Belgian, before adding: “Tomorrow I’ll help my team-mates warm up, and on Monday I’ll go back home. On Tuesday, the training will continue and we will have a close look at my fights today, analyse small positional mistakes or tactical deficiencies. There is never a real perfect judo day – not even today.”
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Judoka
Author: EJU Media