Former world champ Smetov wins all-Kazakh final

Former world champion Yeldos Smetov (KAZ) had the measure of Agadir Grand Prix winner Gusman Kyrgyzbayev (KAZ) as he won the first men’s gold medal in Hohhot.

Smetov was expected to be tested by Kyrgyzbayev who has made his mark on the tour this year but the former showed his class as he won the U60kg title in just 31 seconds with a rapid seoi-nage earning ippon.

In the first semi-final Smetov profited from the wastefulness of Cancun Grand Prix silver medallist Phelipe Pelim (BRA) who was disqualified after picking up three shidos. In the second semi-final World Judo Masters bronze medallist Dashdavaa Amartuvshin (MGL) fell to Kyrgyzbayev by ippon with a front uchi-mata which is actually the favoured technique of the Mongolian.

The first bronze medal was eventually won by Dashdavaa after three minutes of golden score. World number three Robert Mshvidobadze (RUS) was penalised for a third time to finish fifth as Mongolia claimed their first medal of the competition. Mshvidobadze received his third penalty for breaking off the grip off his opponent with both hands and his tactually astute foe claimed an important medal towards the next Olympiad having been overlooked for Rio 2016.

The second bronze medal went to Antalya Grand Prix winner Albert Oguzov (RUS) who timed his score perfectly as he threw world number 14 Pelim with a tai-otoshi with only four seconds left on the clock.