Tokyo 2020 Olympics - Japan’s Shohei Ono defends judo title on golden day for Games hosts

ByTom Bennett

Updated 26/07/2021 at 13:52 GMT

Japan’s Shohei Ono continued his remarkable unbeaten run to defend his Olympic title as the host nation moved to the summit of the medal table at Tokyo 2020. Watch every unmissable moment live across Eurosport, Eurosport app and discovery+. Download the Eurosport app for iOS and Android now.

Shohei Ono lived up to his billing of favourite to win Judo gold in the under-73 kilogram division at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Ono was the star attraction for the home nation in Monday’s action at the Nippon Budokan venue. And the 29-year-old, who has not lost in international competition since 2015, produced a masterclass to take gold.

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He was made to work for it though, with Georgia’s Lasha Shavdatuashvili forcing the bout to golden score.

The silver medallist was distraught at missing out on gold, but still made time to congratulate Ono for his victory after what was a classic encounter.

Ono hasn't lost an international match since 2015

Image credit: Getty Images

Ono’s win was Japan’s fourth gold and sixth medal in Judo at the Games so far, helping the host nation close to the top of the medal table.

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