Toro Soler’s Breakthrough Medal Tests Abe in Baku

Ariane Toro Soler reached the -52 kg World Championships final in Baku and claimed the first world medal of her career. The Spanish judoka pushed five-time world champion Uta Abe into a demanding contest before Abe secured her sixth world title.

Toro Soler had finished fifth at the 2025 World Championships, her best result at that level before arriving in Baku. This time, she went further, earning a place in the final and guaranteeing herself a medal before stepping onto the tatami against one of judo’s most accomplished competitors.

The final began as a fierce fight for sleeve control. Toro Soler understood the challenge and stayed committed to her game, even as Abe looked to take control through movement and attacks.

As the contest moved towards full time, Toro Soler had two penalties to Abe’s one. The Spaniard continued to resist and came close to scoring with O-uchi-gari when Abe moved over the top. That sequence led to an equalising penalty for Abe, bringing the contest back into balance.

Toro Soler took a world medal home after the biggest final of her career.

The battle continued deep into golden score. Only after seven and a half minutes did Toro Soler receive a third penalty, ending a final that was far closer than Abe may have expected. Abe left the arena with another gold medal, while Toro Soler’s silver marked a major step forward on the world stage.

Abe said afterwards that she needed to be more aggressive, keep attacking and impose her judo. The Japanese star also spoke about the experience she has gained since her first titles and her aim to continue winning, with a personal target of at least ten world titles.

Spain added another medal in the first bronze medal contest. Ayumi Leiva Sanchez reacted sharply when Uranzaya Bayanmunkh attempted a poorly prepared Sutemi-waza, moving past her opponent’s knees and securing Kesa-gatame. The hold ended the contest quickly and gave Leiva Sanchez a bronze medal.

Spain finished the -52 kg category with two medals, silver and bronze.

In the other bronze medal contest, Italy’s Odette Giuffrida defeated Germany’s Mascha Ballhaus. Giuffrida scored Yuko with a well-timed De-ashi-harai, then continued into groundwork using her lapel grip before completing a submission.

For Giuffrida, the result was her third World Championships medal across the last four editions. At 31, the Italian remained firmly among the division’s leading names. The European medal haul in Baku was completed by Toro Soler, Leiva Sanchez and Giuffrida, while Abe once again stood at the top of the -52 kg podium.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation