Photo credit: Panoramic
Opposed to the Romanian Vladut Simionescu for his entry into the running in the over 100kg, Teddy Riner was patient to make the difference on ippon.
Teddy Riner did not miss his return to the Worlds! Deprived of the 2022 edition by injury, the double Olympic champion has dispelled any doubt that may concern him from his first fight. Forced to start his day in the first round because of his world ranking, the native of Pointe-à-Pitre was able to emerge victorious from his duel against Vladut Simionescu. On the Doha tatami, the fight started under tension with two judokas unable to take the lead. A behavior that was not to the taste of the referee, who sanctioned both the French and the Romanian twice in less than two minutes. Back to the wall, Teddy Riner had to react and go on the offensive. Barely 25 seconds after this second penalty, the ten-time world champion found the fault. On a perfectly placed sasae, the Habs put their opponent on their back and qualified for the second round on ippon. It is now the Polish Kasper Szczurowski who will be on his way.
In the +78kg category, Romaine Dicko will start her day in the second round against the Italian Asya Tavano. Julia Tolofua, also exempted from the first round, will start her journey against Venezuelan Amarantha Urdaneta.
