The draw for the men of the World Championships in Tashkent resulted in numerous contests between some of the top fighters, as some are non seeded. Obviously the first eight of the seeding lists were separated for each category. It was interesting to see where renowned athletes were placed such as 2019 Word Champion Joshiro Maruyama and it’s outside the scope of another top man, Olympic Champion Hifumi Abe, both U66kg.
In total 571 athletes will participate, which is the lowest since 2005 in Cairo. For the first time all athletes have to be seeded among the best 100 of the world in their category. In total there are 310 men and 261 women from a total of 82 countries. 310 men is the lowest of this century and equal number to the 1993 World Championships in Hamilton (CAN), can you believe that, it’s 29 years ago. Let’s check the top seeds and surprises with you.
Yang Yung Wei of Chinese Taipeh is the number one seed and Olympic silver medallist, he lost to Takato in Tokyo who is on the same side seed as fourth so they can meet only in the semis. Huseynov and Smetov may battle it out for a place in the quarters. This lightweight category with 42 men can be full of surprises, Pantano can stunt in the pool with Verstraeten, Caladier Picard has a reputation, can he do it at senior level against birthday boy Tsjakadoea? Former world champion Ckhvmiani looks strong on this side. Watch also the two Mongolians Enkhtaivan, they can cause some damage U60kg.
We knew Denis Vieru is consistent in his performance and seeded as world number one. He might face Abe in the semis, but enough to worry about with Flicker, Gaitero in his pool. Safarov might face European Champion Iadov in an early stage. But Nurillaev of Uzbekistan is a dangerous outsider for a medal. Abe looks safe. Also two Mongolians here U66kg with Yondonperenlei as seeded player and Kherlen Ganbold as trouble maker in a pool with Shmailov on the other side. Then Maruyama in the pool with Willian Lima and likely against Ivo Verhorstert (NED) in the pool, he won’t worry. In the quarter final against possibly Vazha Margvelashvili is the real test. Don’t forget An of Korea in a pool with Kyrgyzbayev.
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