The Favourite men progress on Day Six of the Olympic Games

Despite many favourites, a few stumbled against their opponents. Ultimately, the strongest prevailed, but the men's tournament quickly showed that special strength is required at these Olympic Games.

In the 100kg class, world champion Zelym Kotsoiev had few problems securing his spot in the semifinals. After victories over Piotr Kuczera and Peter Paltchik, the Azeri was briefly in danger in the last 10 seconds. Former world champion (2022) Turoboyev towered over everyone, convincingly defeating the Dutch contender Michael Korrel in his quarterfinal.

Georgian piano virtuoso Ilia Sulamanidze made reigning Olympic champion Aaron Wolf from Japan play a lower note. Sulamanidze quickly took the lead with a sumi gaeshi. Wolf, who had eliminated two-time world champion Fonseca (POR), was left looking to win a medal in the repechage. Shady El Nahas was another casualty on that side of the bracket, but he won't get a second chance after losing to Swiss Daniel Eich in the round of 16. Eich, the biggest surprise among the final four, defeated Spain's Nikoloz Sherazadishvili in the quarterfinal with a clear win and a beautiful sasae.

Eich now faces Sulamanidze, who seeks to continue Georgian success. Eich can make history as the sixth judoka from his country to reach the final five in the Olympics, aiming to follow in the footsteps of Jürgen Roehlisberger, the Olympic champion of 1980.

Zelym Kotsoiev knows up close what it takes to become an Olympic champion, having seen Hidayat Heydarov do it on the third day. Kotsoiev faces the Uzbek powerhouse Turoboyev in the final and will undoubtedly consult with head coach Iliadis on how to master this feat.