Two judo titans, Teddy Riner and Tatsuru Saito, have surged closer to a potential gold medal clash in the men's over-100 kilogram category at the Paris Olympics. The French and Japanese judoka both secured victories in their respective quarter-final matches, setting the stage for a captivating heavyweight showdown.
Riner, a nine-time world champion and a two-time Olympic gold medallist, will face Tajikistan's Temur Rakhimov in the semi-finals. The French giant's experience and dominance in the heavyweight division make him a formidable opponent for any challenger. Meanwhile, Saito, a tournament debutant, faces a tough test against Kim Min Jong of South Korea, the current world number one in the over-100kg category.
Saito's journey to the semi-finals has been marked by a notable victory over Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Lukas Krpalek of the Czech Republic in the round of 16. The young Japanese judoka, who is the second son of two-time Olympic judo heavyweight champion Hitoshi Saito, is making a strong bid to become the first Japanese father-son duo to win Olympic gold medals in judo.
In the women's over-78 kilogram division, Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Akira Sone of Japan fell to Turkey's Kayra Ozdemir in the quarter-finals. Sone will now compete in the repechage for a chance to secure a bronze medal. France's Romane Dicko, Brazil's Beatriz Souza, and Israel's Raz Hershko all advanced to the semi-finals in this weight class.
The Paris Olympics have witnessed a captivating display of judo prowess, with both established champions and emerging stars showcasing their exceptional skills on the mat. The potential heavyweight clash between Riner and Saito promises to be a highlight of the Games, with the fate of a gold medal hanging in the balance.
