Denis Vieru Dominates in Men's -66 kg Judo Quarterfinal at Paris 2024

The Men's -66 kg Quarterfinal in Judo at the Paris 2024 Olympics showcased an electrifying performance from Denis Vieru of Moldova, who faced off against Strahinja Buncic from Serbia. The bout took place on July 28, 2024, at the iconic Champ-de-Mars Arena, where judo enthusiasts gathered to witness the fierce competition.

From the start of the match, Vieru displayed exceptional skill and strategy. In just 44 seconds, he executed an impressive O-uchi-gaeshi technique that secured him an IPP, the highest score in judo, leading to a swift victory. This win propelled Vieru into the semifinals, marking a significant moment in his Olympic journey.

Vieru, who competed in his signature white gi, weighed in at 65.9 kg and is currently ranked 1st in the world, having recently achieved a notable 2nd place finish at the Hungary Masters 2023. This quarterfinal match was crucial for him as it highlighted his preparation and determination to claim Olympic glory.

On the other hand, Buncic, wearing the blue gi and weighing 65.8 kg, is ranked 30th worldwide and had previously seen success with a second-place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2022. Despite his best efforts, he was unable to counter Vieru's rapid advance, resulting in his elimination from the competition.

The match was officiated by Roberta Chyurlia from Italy, who ensured that the contest adhered to the high standards of competitive judo. The atmosphere in the arena was charged with excitement as spectators cheered for their athletes, making it a memorable moment in the judo events of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Denis Vieru as he aims for the gold medal in the upcoming semifinals, furthering his quest to etch his name in Olympic history.