Masters newcomer Ryuju Nagayama stars for Japan

Nagayama Ryuju charged to his first World Judo Masters win with a clinical performance in the U60kg category. The world number nine and Tokyo Grand Slam bronze medallist made a successful World Judo Masters debut on Saturday as he beat Abu Dhabi Grand Slam bronze medallist Francisco Garrigos (ESP) in the men’s lightest final with a majestic ippon seoi-nage after one minute.

In the first semi-final Abu Dhabi Grand Slam bronze medallist Sharafuddin Lutfillaev (UZB) was momentarily held down by Garrigos in golden score, and despite living dangerously with two shidos to his name, the Spaniard forced the Uzbek to submit due to the degree of pressure applied. In the second semi-final Nagayama threw Tokyo Grand Slam silver medallist Dashdavaa Amartuvshin (MGL) with a ippon seoi-nage with 60 seconds left.

The first bronze medal contest was won by Dashdavaa, who turned 30 on Friday, and could celebrate one day late after beating Pan American Championships winner Eric Takabatake (BRA) in golden score. A shido for the Brazilian after two minutes of added time handed a place on the podium to the Mongolian who has been a revelation in recent months.

The second bronze medal contest saw Lutfillaev prevail over Abu Dhabi Grand Slam winner Robert Mshvidobadze (RUS) by ippon in golden score.

Read all the news about the IJF World Masters in St. Petersburg.