Akari Omori’s Groundwork Turns the -57 kg Final

Akari Omori claimed the -57 kg world title in Baku after a tense final against Georgia’s Eteri Liparteliani, settling the contest with decisive ne-waza. The Japanese judoka found the crucial score after more than six minutes of an intense tactical battle.

Liparteliani arrived with the red back patch and reached the final for the second consecutive year. Her power, flexibility and relentless forward pressure created a difficult challenge for Omori, a seven-time Grand Slam medallist.

From the opening exchanges, Omori focused on neutralising Liparteliani’s strong right hand. She used crossed lapel grips to manage the distance, but Liparteliani continued to attack with unusual, energetic movements that kept the final unpredictable.

Omori’s switch to ne-waza made the difference when the final was still completely open.

The gripping contest went into extra time without a positive score. Liparteliani received one penalty and Omori two, adding further pressure to an already demanding contest that lasted six minutes and seven seconds.

Then Omori changed the direction of the fight. Using her ne-waza skills, she turned Liparteliani on to her back and scored yuko, earning the world title. Liparteliani took silver, while the red back patch moved to Japan.

After the final, Omori said she had aimed to trust the judo she had practised against such a difficult opponent. She also stressed that, despite winning, she still sees areas to improve and wants to continue progressing. Her attention was already turning to the team event ahead.

Europe also had strong stories in the bronze medal contests. Croatia’s Ana Viktorija Puljiz secured her first senior world medal after France’s Sarah-Leonie Cysique was unable to compete because of an injury sustained in her semi-final.

Serbia’s Marica Perisic also captured her first senior world medal. In an energetic contest with Germany’s Seija Ballhaus, Perisic gradually built control before scoring yuko with a fast Ko-uchi-gari. Ballhaus fought back and levelled the penalties, but Perisic held on for bronze after earlier world championship finishes of fifth in 2021 and seventh in 2025.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation