The Tokyo Games will see two big innovations, when "4D" video replay is introduced and the athletes' outfits are renewed. Especially messing around with competition outfits has been the subject of quite harsh criticism.
In terms of sports, you can expect a lot from the games, and in several series you will see really interesting battles to decide. At the time of writing this, the charts were not yet public, so we're guessing on a rather shaky basis. Betting can be done with different parties, odds have been taken into this article From William Hill and from Betfair 17.7.2021
Women -49kg
In light of the statistics, there are three early favorites in the series, China's Wu Jingyu, Thailand's Panipak Wongpattanakit and Spain's Adriana Cerezo. Of these, WH realizes Cerezo has a clear odds (26/1), although it's really a matter of whether the previously mentioned or, for example, Bogdanovic of Serbia have found ways to prevent the 19-year-old Spaniard's seemingly inexorable winning streak. In matches registered in Taekwondodata, Cerezo's winning percentage is a whopping 90.77 % and he has lost only one major match in 2020 and 2021 (Presidents Cup semi-final against Bogdanovic, which he blanked at the European Championships).
Canada's Yvette Yong is an interesting competitor, although not quite a medal favorite. Look what a move!
Pools:
1. ESP
2. THA
3. CHN&SRB
Black horse: TUR and CAN for the really brave
Women -57kg
The series features one above the rest, once again, Jade Jones. The competition features amazing competitors, e.g. Canada's Skylar Park, USA's young Anastacia Zolotic, Turkey's Hatice Kübra İlgün and Russia's Tatiana Kudashova. However, the toughest challenger for Jones will be Korea's Lee Ah-Reum. Poland's Adamkiewicz showed great strength in the qualifiers and is an attractive target with 51 odds. Or what a young Greek does. Miracles happen!
Pools:
1. GBR
2 COR
3. TUR&RUS
Black horses: USA&POL
Women -67kg
There have been many rumors about the Nur Tatari camp in Turkey, e.g. about the challenges of personal life. Otherwise, the match condition has varied and Great Britain's Lauren Williams took the jacket in the European Championships as well. One of the most skilled contestants of the Games will be seen when USA's Paige McPherson steps onto the mat. The fitness of Ivory Coast's Ruth Gbabi is an enigma. Croatia's Matea Jelic, on the other hand, is certainly fine, but will the corner last? There is no sure winner in the series and even with big odds you can at least win medals. WH offers France and Jordan twenty attractive odds.
Pools:
1. TUR
2. GBR
3. CIV&CRO
Black horses: FRA&JOR
Women +67kg
Britti takes and the others win. The level of the women's heavyweight division has risen tremendously over the years, but the series is still surprising.
Pools:
1. GBR
2 COR
3. CHN/SRB/MEX/POL/TUR or any other
Men -58kg
It's hard now. Personally, I would name the representatives of Italy, Hungary and Iran as well as Russia as challengers for Korea's Jang Jun. I guarantee and underline that Artamonov is fine, but is it enough to win. I hope so, because in the fall (or maybe later, if the situation allows) it would be nice to host an Olympic champion's camp! Spain will certainly be a tough contender, but selection confusion must have affected the preparation.
Pools:
1. RUS
2 COR
3. ITA/IRI
Black horse: HUN
Men -68kg
Korea is the absolute favorite, Iran's toughest challenger. You should pick up at least the representatives of Belgium, Spain and Turkey wearing European glasses. Britain's Bradley Sinden is a tough guy and will certainly be so in these games as well. The choice between the representative of China and Taipei is tight, but I personally like Huang's style better, so let's put him higher in the betting.
Pools:
1 COR
2. IRI
3. GBR&TPE
Black horse: ESP
Men -80kg
Khramtsov is the favorite, others are challenging. Italy's Alessio has a clear advantage, as does the equally tall Dominican Moises Hernandes. I can't believe Azerbaijan's Beig, but Ivory Coast's Cheick Sallah Cisse must be in the running.
Pools:
1. RUS
2. CIV
3. ITA&DOM
Dark horse: CRO (multiplier 41!)
Gentlemen +80 kg
Hevars are once again scrambling with a great cover. Karelia's own son Vladislav Larin takes the series and this time Korea takes second place. Although really this is going to happen so that Korea wins. Duller medals for Cho and Alba. I have seen Lari in Finland in the coming years and Cho has been training at our gym. Alba, on the other hand, is very familiar as a Cuban, at least to those who represented our club in the Presidents Cup. Germany's Bachmann is served as a black horse, let's see what kind of overdrive you can find, you haven't seen anything yet!
Pools:
1. RUS
2 COR
3. GBR&CUB
Black horse: GER
Previous guesses have gone differently. There have been surprises in every race and now is a good time for them. Some of the athletes have competed quite sparingly and their condition is a complete mystery. New Mersu it is not worth ordering, at least based on the hit expectations of these tips. I'm putting my little money on Cerezo, the odds are too good and so is Adriana.
Jenny Vettenniemi
