–66 kg: Pashayev Clinches Gold / IJF.org

The –66 kg final block promised dynamic, high-paced judo. Luukas Saha (FIN) had shown impressive control and adaptability earlier in the day, earning his place in the final with a clever golden score victory against top seed Daikii Bouba (FRA). On the opposite side, Ruslan Pashayev (AZE) built on his momentum from Lima, where he had claimed bronze, now fighting his way to a well-deserved place in the gold medal contest. Behind them, four determined judoka were ready to battle for bronzes after a long, action-filled day on the tatami.

Final, Luukas Saha (FIN) vs Ruslan Pashayev (AZE).

Final

Luukas Saha (FIN) vs Ruslan Pashayev (AZE)

Both judoka believed in their chances until the very end, giving everything to gain the advantage. During normal time, neither could break through, neutralising each other completely in a tense tactical duel. It was only in golden score that Ruslan Pashayev found the opening he needed, countering his opponent perfectly to claim ippon and capture the gold medal.

Gold medallist, Ruslan Pashayev (AZE).

Bronze Medal Contests

Charlie Young (GBR) vs Adrian Nieto Chinarro (ESP)

Charlie Young entered golden score with two shido already to his name, while his opponent had just one. The balance tilted in favour of the Spaniard, who maintained steady pressure before circling in for a clean o-uchi-gari, earning ippon and celebrating his first grand prix medal.

Bronze Medal Contest, Charlie Young (GBR) vs Adrian Nieto Chinarro (ESP).

Elios Manzi (ITA) vs Daikii Bouba (FRA)

In less than a minute, Daikii Bouba spotted an opening in his opponent’s defence and launched a superb inverted seoi-otoshi combined with kata-guruma. The technique landed his opponent flat on his back for ippon, securing a well-deserved bronze medal for the French judoka.

Bronze Medal Contest, Elios Manzi (ITA) vs Daikii Bouba (FRA).

Medals, cheques and flowers were presented by Ms Samantha Desciderio, Executive Committee Member of the Mexican Olympic Committee, and Mr Mathieu Bataille, IJF Referee Supervisor and World Bronze Medallist.

Final (-66 kg)

SAHA Luukas (FIN) vs PASHAYEV Ruslan (AZE)

Bronze Medal Fights (-66 kg)

YOUNG Charlie (GBR) vs NIETO CHINARRO Adrian (ESP)

MANZI Elios (ITA) vs BOUBA Daikii (FRA)

Final Results (-66 kg)

1. PASHAYEV Ruslan (AZE)

2. SAHA Luukas (FIN)

3. NIETO CHINARRO Adrian (ESP)

3. BOUBA Daikii (FRA)

5. YOUNG Charlie (GBR)

5. MANZI Elios (ITA)

7. JARA Robin (MEX)

7. LIMA Ronald (BRA)