Pavić, 25, has built a strong record across the European circuit. The 2022 European U23 champion won the Sarajevo European Open in 2025 and added bronze at the Dubrovnik Senior European Cup earlier this year. On paper, Pavic may not be as strong as Izumi, but judo doesn’t always follow a predicted route.
Pavić found herself trailing by a yuko and a waza-ari early on but a powerful sumi-gaeshi changed the course of the final completely. Initially awarded a waza-ari, the score was upgraded to ippon after a video review, bringing a liberating gold medal to the Croatian judoka.
Petrunjela Pavić had reasons to be satisfied, "It feels great to finish in style as a grand slam champion, especially turning the match around against a top Japanese opponent. Falling behind meant keeping a forward mindset, knowing I could do it again but throwing a Japanese opponent twice is no easy feat! Hearing my teammates cheer gave me a real boost as I walked onto the tatami. This victory proves I’m physically and mentally ready for world championships. My goal was always a medal at this coming worlds but now that objective feels much more realistic. With no time to celebrate, we're heading straight to training camps in Bratislava and Germany to refine our technique before the worlds!"
Fanny Estelle Posvite (FRA) and Eliza Wróblewska (POL) met in the first bronze medal contest. The opening four minutes ended with two penalties apiece. In golden score, Posvite countered an attack from Wróblewska with a light de-ashi-barai for a yuko to secure her place on the podium. The French judoka kept her celebration measured. She had not come to Budapest for bronze but nevertheless left with a fine medal around her neck.
The second bronze medal contest brought Julie Hölterhoff (GER) and Metka Lobnik (SLO) together. A perfectly executed shime-waza gave Lobnik the victory and her second medal at this level.
Final (-78 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-78 kg)
