Japan's Abe Uta captures fourth world title in Doha

Japan's Abe Uta defeated Uzbekistan's Diyora Keldiyorova Monday (8 May) at the World Judo Championships in Doha, Qatar, to capture a fourth world title in the 52kg division.

Uta previously won world titles in 2018, 2019 and 2022. She also clinched Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020, held in the summer of 2021. Uta also captured mixed team silver medal.

Keldiyorova's silver medal is a first individual at the World Championships, having previously won a mixed team bronze medal in 2022.

The bronze medal was shared by Amandine Buchard of France and Odette Giuffrida of Italy. Buchard had to settle for silver in the Olympic final against Abe and helped her mixed team to gold in the Japanese capital. Giuffrida is also a two-time Olympic medallist. She won silver at Rio 2016 and bronze at Tokyo 2020 in the 52kg category.

Competition in Doha runs through Sunday, 14 May.

• 2023 Judo World Championships in Doha, Qatar: Preview, schedule and how to watch

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