Glasgow: Duke Didier will chase a Commonwealth Games bronze medal in Glasgow early Sunday morning (AEST) after winning his repechage fight over Welshman Ruslan Rancev.
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The hulking Canberra judoka secured the win with a powerful back slam just moments after the fight began, setting up a mouth-watering clash with New Zealand and Oceania champion Jason Koster.
“He’s the Oceania champion and he’s a really strong fighter. I haven’t fought him for two years, last time I fought him I lost on penalties,” Didier said.
“It’s there for the taking, it’s going to be hard it’s going to take every ounce, they’re going to have to peel me off the mat.”
Earlier, Didier lost his quarter-final bout to Pakistan supremo Shah Hussain Shah.
“He trains full-time in Japan at a renowned university over there. I knew he’s medalled at Asian championships, he’s a good fighter,” Didier said.
“He couldn’t throw me. I wish I had have asserted myself a little bit more, I was obviously pretty disappointed after that but because I knew I was fighting again I had to toughen up, suck it up and get back into it.
“I’m glad I composed myself. It was Wales next and I just smashed him, I had no choice. I still want a medal.”
Didier is scheduled to fight Koster at 3.49am AEST.