The correct answer is D. cruised.
To cruise is to travel at a steady speed, especially at a speed that is comfortable and relaxing. In the context of the question, the defending champion won the match easily and quickly, without any difficulty. This suggests that they were in control of the match from the beginning and were able to maintain their lead throughout.
The other options are not as accurate. Led suggests that the defending champion was in the lead at some point during the match, but this is not necessarily the case. Rushed suggests that the defending champion won the match quickly, but it does not suggest that they did so easily. Reached suggests that the defending champion won the match by a narrow margin, which is also not necessarily the case.