Each of his appearances on the tatami of the Tennis Palace and Water Sports Complex increased the volume significantly in the arena, to the point where it became difficult, if not impossible, to converse with your neighbour. Nevertheless, it was a a roar that thrilled and gave wings to Somon Makhmadbekov who qualified for the final after some challenging but perfectly controlled bouts.
There was an ippon during golden score against Kurban Kudiev (IJF), then another against Vincenzo Pelligra (ITA) after some fine groundwork, and finally a third against Kote Kapanadze (GEO). This was a job well done!
At the bottom of the draw, an outsider fared best. Adam Tsechoev (IJF) won his first two contests, before scoring a spectacular ippon with a koshi-waza against Youxiu Youxiu (CHN). In the semi-finals he defeated Murodjon Yuldoshev (UZB).
The final featured Somon Makhmadbekov and Adam Tsechoev. The last part of today's show began under the hurrahs of the public. They already had their share of happiness, but there could be more. 'Somon, Somon', they were chanting and it clearly helped the champion to secure the victory after he held down his opponent for a yuko. This was enough today for him to win the third gold of the Tajik delegation on the occasion of this grand slam.
The first bronze medal contest pitted the two Uzbek judoka, Sukhrob Tursunov and Murodjon Yuldoshev against each other. It took a little time for Murodjon Yuldoshev to start the engine. Nothing happened during the first half of the contest but then things started to change after a first yuko. Yuldoshev scored a waza-ari and concluded with a shime-waza for ippon and the bronze medal.
The second bronze medal contest saw Suleyman Shukurov (AZE) and Kote Kapanadze (GEO) facing each other to step on the podium. We had to wait until the start of the golden score period to see Suleyman Shukurov scoring a yuko with a counter-attack. At least, that is what he was convinced of, but the video showed clearly that while throwing he had his foot hooked by Kote Kapanadze, who actually claimed the score, a waza-ari. The bronze medal was for Kote Kapanadze (GEO).
Final (-81 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-81 kg)
