Xu Shiyan vs Sone Akira: A Thrilling Showdown in Women's Judo +78 kg Elimination Round

On August 2, 2024, the Women's +78 kg Elimination Round of 16 in Judo took place at the prestigious Champ-de-Mars Arena in Paris. The match of the day featured China's Xu Shiyan against Japan's Sone Akira, creating a buzz among judo enthusiasts from around the globe.

Xu Shiyan entered the match with a world ranking of 6 and a notable reputation, having secured the first place at the Tbilisi Grand Slam 2021. At 133.3 kg, she donned the white gi and was determined to advance in the tournament. On the other side of the mat, Sone Akira, ranked 18th in the world, weighed in at 109.3 kg and wore the blue gi, proudly representing Japan as the reigning champion from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The contest began at 11:42 AM local time and was filled with intense action. The referee, Mariano dos Santos from Brazil, ensured the match remained fair and within the rules. Just 28 seconds into the match, Xu was penalized, but she quickly gathered her composure.

As the match progressed, Sone showcased her skills, scoring a Waza-ari with an O-uchi-gari technique at 3 minutes and 34 seconds, which gave her the edge needed to secure the victory. After a hard-fought battle, Sone Akira emerged victorious, eliminating Xu Shiyan from the competition. The final score reflected Sone's tactical prowess and agility on the mat, ultimately leading her to the next round of the tournament.

This match not only highlighted the competitive spirit of these athletes but also set the stage for an exciting tournament ahead as both competitors demonstrated the high skill level and determination characteristic of Olympic judo.