BAKU - Japan's Haruka Kaju defended her title in the 63-kilogram category at the judo world championships on Wednesday, extending her win streak to 40 bouts since her senior international competition debut in December 2024.

The top ranker defeated 2024 champion Joanne van Lieshout of the Netherlands by ippon with a circle throw in the semifinals before downing Israel's Karem Primo in the final, helped by a yuko with an over-the-back throw, as she strolled through all five bouts in Baku.

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