Gusman Kyrgyzbayev vs Willian Lima: Thrilling Men -66 kg Semifinal Showdown at Paris 2024

The Men -66 kg Semifinal of Table B at the Paris 2024 Olympics took place on July 28, 2024, in the renowned Champ-de-Mars Arena, which was buzzing with excitement as two top athletes faced off for a chance to vie for Olympic glory.

In a fierce contest, Kazakhstan’s Gusman Kyrgyzbayev entered the match with a world ranking of 26 and a notable background, having secured second place at the World Judo Championships in Hungary in 2021. He weighed in at 65.8 kg and donned the white judogi.

On the other side of the mat was Brazil’s Willian Lima, a formidable opponent ranked 8th globally, who had previously clinched the title at the Panamerican Senior Championships in 2021. Lima, weighing 65.9 kg, wore the blue judogi and was determined to advance to the final.

The match was intense, with both judokas displaying remarkable skill. The contest began with a series of penalties early on, reflecting the high stakes of the semifinal. Kyrgyzbayev struggled against Lima's aggressive technique.

As the match progressed, Lima executed a brilliant Tai-otoshi technique, scoring an IPP at 6:20, ultimately leading to his victory. The match ended with Lima triumphing over Kyrgyzbayev with a score of 10 to 0, marking him as the winner and advancing him to the finals. The total match duration was 6 minutes and 20 seconds, filled with strategic plays and moments of tension.

Referee Raul Camacho Perez of Spain officiated the match, ensuring fair play throughout the bout. The atmosphere in the arena was electric as fans from both nations cheered their respective athletes, celebrating the spirit of competition and sportsmanship.

With this victory, Willian Lima has set his sights on the gold medal, while Gusman Kyrgyzbayev’s journey in this Olympic edition may have ended, but his performance showcased his skills and determination on the world stage. As the Paris 2024 Olympics continue, all eyes will be on Lima as he aims to secure a place in history.