Matteo Piras vs Strahinja Buncic: The Thrilling Showdown in Men's Judo -66kg Elimination R16

On July 28, 2024, the Men's -66 kg Elimination Round of 16 in Judo took place at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, showcasing a match between Italy's Matteo Piras and Serbia's Strahinja Buncic.

Matteo Piras entered the competition with a current world ranking of 10 and a recent performance placing him 5th at the Abu Dhabi World Championships in 2024, weighing in at 65.9 kg. His opponent, Strahinja Buncic, ranked 30th globally, weighed in slightly lighter at 65.8 kg and had a notable 2nd place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam in 2022.

The match began at 11:12 AM local time and lasted for a total of 4 minutes. Buncic quickly demonstrated his skill, scoring points through effective techniques, specifically the Ushiro-goshi throw, which secured him a decisive advantage. Piras struggled to keep pace, ending the match with a loss after failing to score any points. Buncic's performance was marked by two penalties against him but ultimately led to his victory with a score of 1 Waza-ari and 2 Shido penalties against Piras.

Referee Mariano dos Santos from Brazil officiated the match, ensuring fair play throughout the contest. The atmosphere in the Champ-de-Mars Arena was electric as fans from both nations cheered for their athletes. Buncic's victory propelled him into the quarter-finals, showcasing the fierce competition and high stakes of the Olympic Judo events.