Europe can hope for up to three gold medals and ten more medals on the first day of the Hungary World Judo Masters in BUDAPEST (HUN). Before the start of the final block (from 5 p.m.), only one thing is certain: The EJU can definitely look forward to gold and silver in the category up to 52 kg.
In the duel for first place, four-time Masters winner Distria KRASNIQI (KOS) and Amandine BUCHARD (FRA) will face each other. In the personal head-to-head, the 28-year-old Frenchwoman, World Championship bronze medallist in Doha, leads 2:1. The last duel was won by Olympic champion Krasniqi at the Grand Slam in Paris. “But Amandine had a back-injury then. This duel doesn’t really count. If she fights aggressively and sets the tone, then Distria Krasniqi can also be beaten,” believes France’s women’s coach Christophe MASSINA.
His “opponent” in the coach’s box, Kosova head coach Driton Toni KUKA, is pessimistic: “Distria is not yet at 100 per cent, we have trained hard. The most important thing for me is that she remains uninjured. By reaching the final, we have already achieved our goal. From now on we can fully concentrate on the Olympic preparation.”
France has – besides Amandine Buchard – a second iron in the fire with Sarah-Leonie CYSIQUE (-57). Her final will be a top duel too: former world champion Jessica KLIMKAIT (CAN) is waiting for the 25-year-old. The Canadian leads the head-to-head 6:2 and has good memories of the Papp Laszlo Arena. Three years ago she won her first world championship title in Budapest. “But Sarah-Leonie won at the Olympics, it will be a close fight. I wish her the title from the bottom of my heart,” Massina said. “But with Amandine and Sarah reaching the finals, I am already a very happy man!”
Denis VIERU (MDA/-66) can dream of his first Masters victory. The world number one will face Ryoma Tanaka (JPN) in the gold medal duel. The European has a 2:0 lead in the personal head-to-head.
Judoka
Author: EJU Media