Gerbi world number 1, four medals for France

Quick & interesting final block on Thursday in Rio de Janeiro. In the category -63kg Yarden Gerbi of Israel confirms her number one status at the IJF WRL and takes her first World title, while Loic Pietri, who already won the World Junior title, takes also gold in senior -81kg category.

Gerbi (ISR) probably will be responsible for starting a new shime waza in judo which actually really works. In semi-final, and her final match against Clarisse Agbegnenou (FRA) she demonstrated shime waza with her own judogi where the French was caught and couldn't get away until she passed out. Gerbi showed also a fair-play, as she didn't start celebrating her gold medal until she didn't saw that everything is okay with her opponent on the mat.

First bronze match was won by Gevrise Emane (FRA) who didn't succeed to defend her gold from the World Championships 2011 in Paris. She defeated Slovenian Tina Trstenjak with a quick seoi-nage. Dutch Anicka van Emden did a very good tactical job against Abe Kana (JPN) and took her first medal ever from the World's.

In the men’s category -81kg Loic Pietri (FRA) was better in the final match against 2013 European Champion Avtandil Tchrikishvili (GEO). Pietri scored waza-ari with drop seoi-nage, but also picked up three shido's. Georgian was trying to do everything in his power to make Pietri pick up one more shido, after an exhausting fight that was impossible to do.

Nifontov (RUS) didn't compete in his bronze medal match against his compatriot, so Ivan Vorobev (RUS) took his first bronze medal. The second bronze match was between Alain Schmitt (FRA) and Uuganbaatar Otgonbaatar (MGL). Mongolian lost two hi second fight in row against French judoka. First time in the semi-final against Pietri and then for the bronze medal match against Schmitt.

Photos by: IJF - G.Sabau & Tamas Zahonyi