The final day of individual competition will see the three remaining weight categories, -100kg, +78kg and +100kg in action. The spectacle of the day will be the ultimate competitor, Teddy RINER (FRA), the French fighter will arrive in the Hungarian capital looking to take his eighth World title in the +100kg group.
DISRUPTION IN THE DRAW
World Judo Championships 2017 Budapest -100 kg category
Out of the almighty pool of sixty athletes entered in the -100kg category, there looks to be serious rostrum potential for eleven.
Japan notoriously dominated this weight in the early part of this millennia, KOSEI Inoue winning three World titles in 1999, 2001 and 2003, followed by SUZUKI Keiji in 2005. However since then they have only conquered the World stage on two occasions, in 2010 ANAI Takamasa stormed to glory in his homeland and in the most recent World Championships, adding to his Olympic bronze was HAGA Ryunosuke in 2015.
HAGA looks to return to defend his title, accompanying him is his young and talented team mate, WOLF Aaron. A common theme for this championships is the entry of unseeded, yet threatening players, and this category is no exception. Japan will undoubtedly upset the draw.
Four European athletes displaying great prospects, yet unseeded spots include Olympic and double World bronze medallist, Dimitri PETERS (GER); Olympic silver, double World medallist of the -90 kg category, Varlam LIPARTELIANI (GEO); and World bronze winner, Toma NIKIFOROV (BEL). However we are not through yet, World bronze holder, Ramadan DARWISH (EGY) is set to cause further disruption.
So who are the seeded elite?
With an array of Olympic, World and European titles we have been spoiled for choice in this category. Starting with Maxim RAKOV (KAZ), winner of the World Championships in 2009, he is joined in the World ranking top eight by another former World Champion (2013) and European Champion (2017), Elkhan MAMMADOV (AZE). Azerbaijan are a two strong team in this category with Olympic silver medallist Elmar GASIMOV also seeking the World title.
Another dynamic duo will be seen from Russia including Kazbek ZANKISHIEV and four-time World medallist of the -90kg category, Kirill DENISOV, who recently defeated the top seed Michael KORREL (NED). Chasing Korrel at number two is the explosive Olympic bronze medallist, Cyrille MARET (FRA). Olympic bronze medallist, and three-time World silver medallist, Henk GROL (NED) had to withdraw due to an injury.
THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
World Judo Championships 2017 Budapest +78 kg category
The last European athlete to win a World title in the +78 kg category was Beata MAKSYMOW (POL) in Birmingham, 1999. Apart from on three occasions, China has held this weight class, the latest World title won by YU Song in 2015.
China look to have double the chance to take gold on the final individual day by adding MA Sisi to the mix. However, giving their seeding positions, there could be trouble early on in the arena if the pair must face each other in early rounds. Perhaps Larisa CERIC (BIH) could change the rhythm of the day as the top seeded player in the tournament. ASAHINA Sarah (JPN) is the number two seed and has a robust reputation, defeating double European medallist Ceric on multiple occasions, 2016 Olympic Champion Emilie ANDEOL (FRA) as well as Ma. Additional hopes for Europe will be placed in 2016 European Champion, Kayra SAYIT (TUR).
COULD TEDDY TOPPLE?
World Judo Championships 2017 Budapest +100 kg category
The last person to defeat Teddy RINER (FRA) was KAMIKAWA Daiki (JPN) during the final of the Open division at the 2010 World Judo Championships. However since then he has captained the +100kg category. We pose the question, will Budapest see the demise of the legendary judoka?
Having dominated the World stage for seven consecutive years there is no way to predict an empire overthrow at this point. However due to Riner’s minimal attendance, he is yet to face the newcomers and potential challengers in the division. He will start the day in an unseeded position with the possibility of facing 2017 European Champion, Guram TUSHISHVILI (GEO), continuing with -100kg Olympic and World Champion Lukas KRPALEK (CZE). Unfortunately, Krpalek has recently suffered a badly timed injury and his participation in this World Championship is still to be determined.
Japanese players, OJITANI Takeshi (JPN) and HARASAWA Hisayoshi (JPN) will aim to avenge their team mates against Riner, especially Harasawa, losing to the French fighter in the final of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Top seed and World ranking leader, David MOURA strengthens the hopes for Brazil whilst World bronze medallist, Faicel JABALLAH (TUN) will boost medal chances for Africa. Additionally, World bronze medallist, Iakiv KHAMMO (UKR) will be striving to climb higher on the rostrum. Fighting alongside these men are European bronze medallist Daniel NATAE (ROU) and home favourite, 2011 World silver medallist of the Open division, BOR Barna (HUN).
HAJRA MAGYARORSZAG (LETS GO HUNGARY)
SCHEDULE
| Date | Time | Activity |
| Sunday 27 August |
14.00 |
Draw Press Conference Referee meeting |
| Monday 28 August |
10.00 15:00 16.00 |
Individual competitions -60, -48 (3 tatami) Opening ceremony Final Block (on 2 tatami) |
| Tuesday 29 August |
10:00 16:00 |
Individual competitions -66, -52 (on 3 tatami) Final Block (on 2 tatami) |
| Wednesday 30 August |
10:00 16:00 |
Individual competitions -73, -57 (on 3 tatami) Final Block (on 2 tatami) |
| Thursday 31 August |
10:00 16:00 |
Individual competitions -81, -63 (on 3 tatami) Final Block (on 2 tatami) |
| Friday 1 September |
10:00 16:00 |
Individual competitions -90, -70, -78 (on 3 tatami) Final Block (on 2 tatami) |
| Saturday 2 September |
10:00 15:30 16:00 |
Individual competitions -100, +100, +78 (on 3 tatami) Draw for team competitions Final Block (on 2 tatami) |
| Sunday 3 September |
9:00 16:00 |
Team competitions (on 3 tatami) Final Block – only medal contests (on 2 tatami) |
