Salih Yildiz Triumphs in Men's -60 kg Judo Quarterfinals Against Giorgi Sardalashvili

The Men's -60 kg quarterfinals of the judo competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics showcased an electrifying battle between two talented athletes: Salih Yildiz from Türkiye and Giorgi Sardalashvili from Georgia. Scheduled on July 27, 2024, at the renowned Champ-de-Mars Arena, this match drew considerable attention from spectators and fans alike, eager to witness the skills and tactics of these competing judokas.

As the match commenced, Yildiz, who carried a world ranking of 10, faced the highly-ranked second place holder, Sardalashvili. The contest unfolded in a high-stakes environment, with both athletes exhibiting their mastery of judo techniques. The referee for this match was Jean Claude Djimbi from Gabon, ensuring fair play throughout the bout.

In an exciting display of skill, Yildiz managed to secure the win in just under 8 minutes, with the match concluding at 8:08 minutes. The pivotal moment came when Yildiz executed a Ushiro-kesa-gatame technique, earning him a decisive Waza-ari point and leading him to victory. The final result reflected Yildiz's two successful points against Sardalashvili, who unfortunately did not score any points in this quarterfinal clash.

The match was not without its controversies, as both competitors received penalties during the bout. Sardalashvili, who was vying for a place in the semifinals, faced two penalties, impacting his performance. Despite his efforts, he was unable to overcome Yildiz, who demonstrated superior technique and strategy.

With this victory, Salih Yildiz advanced to the semifinals, showcasing his prowess and determination as he aims for a medal in this prestigious Olympic event. The atmosphere in the Champ-de-Mars Arena was electric, with cheers erupting from the crowd as Yildiz celebrated his hard-fought win. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Yildiz as he continues his quest for Olympic glory.