Danil Lavrentev (RUS) and Daniel Cargnin (BRA) met in the -73 kg final. Lavrentev, ranked fifth in the world before the event, had arrived in Switzerland in excellent form. The 2025 European champion had won the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam and taken bronze at the Dushanbe Grand Slam already in 2026.
Final, Danil Lavrentev (RUS) vs Daniel Cargnin (BRA).
His opponent was Cargnin, ranked third in the world. An Olympic bronze medallist at the Tokyo 2021 Games, a world bronze medallist in 2022 and world silver medallist in 2025, the Brazilian had also won the 2026 Panamerican Championships and claimed bronze at the Upper Austria Grand Prix.
Despite Cargnin’s experience, the contest proved difficult for him. Lavrentev scored a yuko and, strong both technically and tactically, appeared to control the remainder of the final as he moved towards the gold medal. Yet, in judo, anything can happen. With penalties mounting on both sides, Daniel Cargnin unleashed a ura-nage of breathtaking speed, close to the tatami, driving his opponent onto his back for ippon and turning the contest completely on its head.
Final, Danil Lavrentev (RUS) vs Daniel Cargnin (BRA).
Daniel Cargnin spoke after the final, “I feel thrilled. Just a week ago, I finished fifth, so winning my first grand slam gold here in Lausanne is crucial for my Olympic qualification. It was a tough competition but taking the medal feels amazing. Now, it’s time to go back home to keep training for the Olympic Games.
In the final, my opponent was very strong and controlled most of the fight but I stayed patient, found an opening and secured the ippon. Lausanne is a beautiful city, too. It’s far from Brazil but I’d love to bring my family to visit next time. The arena atmosphere was electric, like a mini Paris, and the crowd’s energy was incredible.”
Bronze medal contest, Aron Gabor (HUN) vs Said-Magomed Khalidov (UKR).
Aron Gabor (HUN) and Said-Magomed Khalidov (UKR) contested the first bronze medal match, having made their way through a highly competitive category. Kazbek Naguchev (UAE) faced Muhiddin Asadulloev (TJK) in the second contest for bronze. The two judoka had impressed throughout the day and had the opportunity to finish their Lausanne campaign on the podium.
Bronze medal contest, Kazbek Naguchev (UAE) vs Muhiddin Asadulloev (TJK).
The first bronze medal contest could not have been more evenly balanced, until the final second, literally the final second, when Said-Magomed Khalidov threw for ippon with a superb ura-nage just as the contest ended. The second bronze medal went to Muhiddin Asadulloev, who dominated his contest with two yuko scores from acrobatic counter-attacks. It was an impressive performance.
Bronze Medal Fights (-73 kg)