Tatami

A very big welcome to this WJA World Judo Championships

here in Tbilisi, Georgia.

This unique city located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia

plays host to this World Judo Championships

at the Tbilisi Sports Palace.

And a big 'Hello' to my co-commentator Chloe Cowen

who will be with me for all of the judo action today.

And Chloe, we're looking forward to some great match-ups, aren't we?

Yeah, we certainly are. I'm delighted to join you, Neil.

This evening, it's the Strong Weight category - the under 60 Kg.

Leila!

- Hi - Hi

- How are you? - I'm good. How are you?

Good! Good!

I thought maybe I will see you in Budapest or Vienna.

Oh, yeah, I know.

I needed more time for this fucking knee to heal

- Yes, I know this feeling. - Yes.

How is your little boy doing? Right?

Yes, yes, he is very good. Thank you.

He is with my husband right now. They are watching from home.

- Good, good... nice. - Yeah.

And...

Your boyfriend?

- No... Yeah, no... - I forgot his name.

It's over. It's over, actually.

Oh, it's done?

Yeah, it's all good.

It just didn't work with all my scheduling and travelling, and...

Yes, I...

You know, I think maybe you will find someone who is...

- understands this crazy life, yes. - I hope so.

Yeah...

OK. I'll let you get ready.

Very nice to see you.

You as well, yes. Good luck tonight.

Same.

Well... she's got to be one the favourites for sure.

She's on the opposite side of the draw.

Guys! It's Leila!

Hello there!

- Leila! - Hi Leila!

Hey, Leila!

- Say 'hi' to mama! - Mama!

Hi, sweetheart!

- Leila! - We're all at Justina's.

Leila! Listen! Leila!

- Say it! - The medal is in your pocket already!

Leila! Did you listen to the tracks I sent you?

Of course, I did. They're all in my head right now.

That's my girl!

Listen, we'll all beat you up if you don't come back with a medal!

Thank you, guys for being there for Nader and Amir.

I've got to go now. Love you all!

I'll hand over the phone to Nader. Bye! Break a leg!

Nader, send me good vibes.

Talk to you later.

- Cheers! - We're all with you.

Love you, sweetheart.

Good luck!

I love you.

Bye!

60.3 kg.

How long does she have to make 60?

You have 20 minutes.

- 59.8 kg. - Yes!

Thank you.

You'll pounce on every opportunity she gives you to attack.

You control the pace of the match. You're the boss.

Don't forget about the arm. Use her arm as a lever.

Then lock your hand behind her arm.

Work hard. You're 10 times stronger than her.

Deep breath.

Next on Tatami 1!

In the white - from the Islamic Republic of Iran

Hosseini.

In the blue - from Hungary

Kovac.

On Tatami 2

In the white - from Israel

Lavi.

In the blue - from Turkey

Hessin.

Here they come.

Hosseini is first one out.

And Kovac is following.

Shani Lavi, also

coming out for her first-round match.

And here we go. This World Championship well and truly...

underway.

This is gonna be a great match.

It really is important as well.

Our first match-up, and it's the opener.

Yeah. Well, it's gonna be a straight knockout, so whoever wins this

is gonna have a chance to go through.

Lose, well, it's all finished.

And that's it, it's going to be all over for her.

How important is it with the grips here? Now she's got the sleeve.

Open up your collar!

The arm over the top there.

And that's how she comes in for her big Uchi Mata.

She's got great technique, Hosseini.

She's got the grip.

And look at that!

Great technique! Look at that!

Uchi Mata!

What an Uchi Mata that was!

Brilliant stuff from Hosseini!

And well, Kovac cannot believe it.

Her World Championship is all over.

Yeah, the Hungarian there, really... it was...

It was gonna be close when we looked at them coming through

You know, it could have gone either way.

But Hosseini of Iran, well, she's on fire.

Absolutely, it was all in the body language, wasn't it?

She came out. She took the sleeve.

She took in the lapel.

And the high lapel grip there just led her into that.

That was amazing!

Nice job!

That was great!

I'm sure I'll beat her.

I've got a different feeling today.

Obviously! None of them are a match for you.

We can make history today.

Don't forget to drink water. You haven't taken in enough fluids today.

Yes, ma'am!

That was the right attitude. You should constantly attack them.

Keep moving.

You should move around all the time. The pace is everything.

Pace, movement, attack! Yes, ma'am!

- Relax. - OK.

Take a deep breath.

Well done! You were great!

- You were fantastic! - Thanks.

Time to warm up.

You're perfect on the ground.

Leila, Leila, it's Nader on the phone -

Do you want me to tell him to call later?

No, let me talk to him for a minute.

Thanks.

Excuse me.

- Hey, babe. - Hello, my life.

You were just amazing!

This was just the first round. But keep praying for me!

I've got a great feeling, Nader.

I'm all for your good feelings, sweetie.

Everyone is so excited here.

- More friends are coming soon. - Really?

- Let me see them! - Hold on!

- Can you see everyone? - Hello!

Wow, you guys are having a good time!

Where is Amir? Is he still up?

Poor boy fell asleep.

I'm sure he'll watch each one of your matches a thousand times tomorrow.

- Any news of mom and dad? - Yeah.

They're sitting in front of the TV as well

Don't worry about it, Leila. Everyone is watching you!

Just focus on what you have coming up.

All right, fine.

Take care, my love.

I will. Kiss them all for me!

- Love you. - Bye.

Next on Tatami 1!

In the white

Gauthier of France then in white and Hosseini in blue, this time.

Well, this is gonna be a tough match for Hosseini of Iran.

We know Gauthier of France

is one of the favorites coming into this World Championships.

Yeah, it's gonna be all about the grips

and, well, whether Hosseini can change the flank...

she'll be expecting that Uchi Mata won't she, Gauthier...

Get the back of her neck, Leila!

Maryam Ghanbari there has been Leila Hosseini's coach...

From... well, just a young girl.

And she has been with her every step of the way.

Top fighter herself...

and had to retire through injury

That was really tragic.

Because she was all set for

big, big things.

Don't give up! Don't you dare, Leila!

All of her power going into coaching

one of the bright stars, Leila Hosseini.

She looks really determined

Yes, that's the spirit!

Absolutely focused.

I don't think I've ever seen her as focused.

She got the sleeve

Got the lapel!

Is she gonna change the direction?

Get her collar, Leila!

Yeah. Well, she's getting some good support there from her coach.

And that's what's important for her to stay focused.

She has a plan so she knows where she's going.

That's what it's about, isn't it. It's all about the plan.

Now...

Go on! You've got this!

Break her guard! Break her guard!

Move around!