Judo (Mondial): Matthias Casse wins the silver!

Judo

The Antwerpman lost in the final of -81 kg against Israel's Muki, world No. 2, after defeating the Iranian Mollaei, world champion and No. 1 in the world semi-final.

Unmatched! Two moves, in quick succession, in five seconds, by the Israeli Muki put an end to the dream of world title of Matthias Casse. But the European champion has never been unworthy during this day, history for Belgium … Matthias has, in fact, beaten in the semi-final of -81 kg the Iranian Mollaei, world champion in title and n ° 1 worldwide. And this, at the end of a fight particularly disputed, ending in a key of the Belgian arm after a little over two minutes in the extension …

And what a path for our countryman! Six fights, in total, to get the money … Exempt of the first round, Matthias Casse, world No. 4, first dismissed the Chinese Zha, No. 72, on immobilization. Opposed the Italian Esposito, No. 24, he had to wait for the extension before winning after 0:35. Arrived in the eighth, it was, then, easily got rid of Slovakia Stancel, No. 91, still on immobilization, to reach the quarter-finals.

Facing the German Ressel, No. 5, the fight was very close, but Matthias Casse finally emerge, after 3:03 in overtime, not without having occasioned one or the other fright. And his furious fist in sign of victory said a lot about his relief. Whatever happens now, the European champion will fight for a medal: if he beats the Iranian Mollaei, it will be for gold, if not for bronze!

Also engaged in -81 kg, Sami Chouchi, world No. 19, has signed a beautiful course. Unfortunately, the Bruxellois fell a lap too early to be fished … But he did not deserve! Sami eliminated the Kuwaiti Alkhuzam, not ranked, on … immobilization, then the Italian Parlati, No. 25, and finally the Puerto Rican Gandai, No. 55, after 1:58 overtime.

Three convincing victories for a Chouchi having lived a complicated first half of the season. But then, the runner-up European 2018 could not cross the obstacle Georgian named Maisuradze, No. 29, which neither more nor less reversed after 2:35 of intense fighting. Pity…

The semi-final of Matthias Casse: