BAKU - Judo's Abe siblings, Hifumi and Uta, won world championships for Japan during a challenging day of competition in Baku on Monday.
Back-to-back Olympic champion Hifumi claimed his fifth men's 66-kilogram world title in the Azerbaijan capital, while younger sister Uta secured her sixth world championship in the women's 52-kg division.
Hifumi, 29, fought a succession of long contests during his five-match run to the title, calling it "the toughest world championship I've ever experienced."
He outpointed compatriot Takeshi Takeoka in the semifinals before defeating Spain's David Garcia Torne by ippon in the championship decider.
"It was a day that required great patience," Hifumi said. "The battles were exhausting, but I'm glad I was able to secure the win. The priority was simply not to lose."
Takeoka went on to defeat Moldova's Denis Vieru in a playoff for bronze.
Uta, 26, emerged victorious from a grueling overtime gold-medal match after Spanish opponent Ariane Toro Soler picked up a third penalty.
With her victory, she moved within one world title of the record seven won by Japanese great Ryoko Tani.
"Every match was a truly strenuous battle," Uta said. "I feel relieved to have somehow made it through, yet I also realize that I won't be able to win Olympic gold at this rate. I want to train in a way that makes me even stronger."
