Anyone who follows the international junior circuit knows that countries like Azerbaijan are always dangerous among young people and particularly in the lightweight categories, their athletes showing an impressive maturity from a young age. Once again Nizami Imranov (AZE) demonstrated this by qualifying for the final in the first part of the draw, that had seemed betrothed to Marcus Auer, world number three and number one seed in the tournament. The Austrian's first contest, against Yam Wolczak (ISR), was however fatal for him and in the end it was Imranov who took the opportunity to join Yamato Fukuda (JPN).
Final, Nizami Imranov (AZE) vs Yamato Fukuda (JPN)

Once again, the presence of the Japanese in the final is a surprise without really being one. If Fukuda was not among the top seeds with only an 84th place in the world ranking, everyone knows that Japanese judoka are rather discreet on the junior circuit, only coming out on big occasions, like these world championships. This does not prevent them from presenting a team which is a scarecrow for the other nations. The final between Imranov and Fukuda therefore promised to be very interesting.

Junior world champion, Yamato Fukuda (JPN)

It can not be said that there was no attack in the final. Both competitors were on the move all the time, attacking almost non-stop, especially Fukuda who actually pushed Imranov to be penalised twice. Then Fukuda scored a waza-ari and had to keep a high pace not to succumb to his opponent’s rhythm. In the end, it was the more active judoka and in fact the one who scored who won the title and the second gold medal for Japan, already.

Bronze medal contest, Youssry Samy (EGY) vs Zamohshari Bekmurodov (UZB)
Bronze medallist, Youssry Samy (EGY)

Samy Youssry (EGY) had an excellent tournament and qualified with great dynamism for the first match for a bronze medal, against Zamohshari Bekmurodov (UZB). The normal time remained penalty-free as both judoka showed great commitment and tried to throw. However, as soon as the golden score period started, Bekmurodov was penalised for stepping out and Youssry for a false attack. With Samy Youssry receiving a second shido, things started to be a little tricky for the Egyptian judoka. Under pressure, Samy Youssry managed to apply an opportunist’s ko-uchi-gari for waza-ari and with that he earned a beautiful bronze medal for Egypt.

Bronze medal contest, Talgat Orynbassar (KAZ) vs Kako Chapurishvili (GEO)
Bronze medallist, Talgat Orynbassar (KAZ)

Kazakhstan with Talgat Orynbassar (KAZ) and Georgia with Kako Chapurishvili (GEO) offered themselves a first chance of a medal. The contest began in a wrestling style but it was with two brilliant pure judo techniques that Talgat Orynbassar won the medal. A first waza-ari came from a ko-uchi-gake followed immediately by an ippon with a seoi-nage. The bronze medal was for Talgat Orynbassar.

Medal, cheques and flowers were presented by Mr Michael Tamura, Sport Director of the International Judo Federation and President of Judo Canada, and Mr Nuno Carvalho, Vice-President Portuguese Judo Federation

Final (-60 kg)

See also