Final: Ronald Lima (BRA) vs Nurkanat Serikbayev (KAZ)

Lima looked to be leading the contest from the beginning but Serikbayev stayed composed and determined throughout. Lima’s rich mix of techniques could have been concerning to him but he managed perfectly for two minutes, defending well while keeping his own attack rate high enough.

At the halfway point, Serikbayev finally managed to get close to Lima, securing the arm-pit grips. He attacked with a strong sumi-gaeshi, controlling his opponent until the last moment of the technique. Ippon was given and Serikbayev had beaten the odds to earn his place on the top of the podium.

“This is my first grand prix ever and I am extremely happy to take the gold medal today,” said Nurkanat Serikbayev (KAZ). “This winning method against Ronald Lima was a tactical strategy planned with my coaching team. As it was our first time meeting and fighting in such a contest, I am thrilled that it ended successfully.”

Bronze medal contest: Chong-You Lin (TPE) vs Valerio Accogli (ITA)

Thirteenth in the world, more than forty places above his opponent, Accogli was positive about his chances of reaching the podium. He gripped and moved well and began to force his rival to accept penalties. He could have been forgiven for counting the medal as won. However, judo is rarely that straightforward.

Both judoka had attacked with seoi-otoshi frequently but none scored, not for three and a half minutes. Then, in the last 30 seconds, Lin attacked again but this time Accogli’s defence was less effective than it had been before and he conceded a yuko. As the time ticked down to zero, Lin let out a cry of satisfaction. This is his first medal at this level.

Bronze medal contest: Miguel Nery Gago (POR) vs Nizami Imranov (AZE)

Nizami Imranov was unable to compete in the final block due to an injury sustained during the preliminary session. As is customary, Miguel Nery Gago came to the tatami to bow and accept the win by fusen gachi.