Fight of the tournament sees Georgia on top, and continued Japanese success

It was a thrilling fourth day at the Uzbekistan’s World Judo Championships at the Humo Arena.

The official opening ceremony entertained the local crowd with an impressive display of talent and passion.

IJF President Mr Marius Vizer and the Prime-Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan His Excellency Mr Abdulla Aripov officially opened the 2022 World Judo Championships.

The pride of their nation shone through from beginning to end, as attendees of all generations sang the anthem together.

For the under 63kg, with the absence of Judo legend Clarisse Agbegnenou, Canada’s Olympic Bronze Medallist, Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard, looked keen to step up to the empty throne, with dominant groundwork earning her a spot in the final

Japan’s Horikawa Megumi, on the other side of the draw, looked set to add to Japan’s 4 Gold medals. With spectacular Judo, such as a one-sided Osoto-gari.

In the final Horikawa executed a textbook Uchi-mata to take the under 63kg title, the Japanese athlete was clearly delighted to earn the red back patch, and set herself up as the new judoka to watch.

The Prime-Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan His Excellency Mr Abdulla Aripov awarded the medals.

“Uchi-mata is one of my most powerful techniques, I’m overjoyed to win a World final with my favourite technique.” Said a thrilled Megumi Horikawa.

The crowd then witnessed the Georgian sensation,Tato Grigalashvili, blast his way to the final. The World Silver medallist seemed intent on going one better than last year.

In the final he faced his closest rival, his opponent from last year's World Final, Matthias Casse of Belgium. Casse made it to the final with a last minute attack, which saw him snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against Japan’s Fujiwara.

It was an