Denis Vieru vs Hifumi Abe: Thrilling Men -66 kg Semifinal Showdown at the Paris 2024 Olympics

The Men -66 kg Semifinal of Table A at the Paris 2024 Olympics witnessed an intense battle between two top judokas: Denis Vieru from the Republic of Moldova and Hifumi Abe from Japan. Scheduled on July 28, 2024, at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, this match was a highlight of the judo events, showcasing incredible skill and strategy.

In the semifinal bout, Hifumi Abe, the reigning champion from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, faced off against Denis Vieru, who was ranked first in the world at the time. Both athletes entered the mat with impressive credentials, but it was Abe who emerged victorious after a thrilling encounter that lasted just over four minutes.

The contest started with both athletes showcasing their techniques. However, the match took a decisive turn in the golden score period, where Abe managed to secure a Waza-ari, giving him the lead and ultimately the win. The final score reflected Abe's dominance as he achieved a total of 1 score while Vieru was left without a point.

With a final duration of 4 minutes and 9 seconds, the match highlighted the high stakes and pressure of Olympic-level competition. Abe's victory not only marked another step towards his quest for gold but also set the stage for an exciting final matchup.

Refereeing the match was Veli-Matti Karinkanta from Finland, who ensured the rules of judo were upheld throughout the bout. The atmosphere in the Champ-de-Mars Arena was electric, with fans cheering for both competitors as they displayed their prowess in one of judo's most competitive categories.

As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on Hifumi Abe as he prepares to compete for the gold medal, having proven once again why he is one of the best in the sport. Meanwhile, Denis Vieru, despite the loss, remains a formidable competitor in the judo world and will undoubtedly be back to contest for medals in future events.