Aram Grigoryan wins all-Russian final against Puliaev

Russian judoka Aram Grigoryan controlled three-time world silver medallist Mikhail Puliaev with a professional display to win U66kg gold. Tunis Grand Prix bronze medallist Grigoryan struck IJF gold for the first time as Puliaev toiled and was far below his best.

Puliaev, who finished seventh at the World Championships last month, was held down with surprising ease by his younger colleague for Russia’s first title in Cancun.

In the first semi-final Tbilisi Grand Prix silver medallist Daniel Cargnin (BRA) was beaten to the final by Grigoryan in golden score by a waza-ari score. In the second semi-final Puliaev benefited from an error-strewn display by two-time Grand Slam winner Charles Chibana (BRA) who was penalised three times to receive his marching orders.

The first bronze medal was won by Chibana who thwarted former European Championships bronze medallist Matej Poliak (SVK). The Brazilian earned a much-needed boost by throwing for a waza-ari and pinning down his Slovakian opponent for 10 seconds to wrap up a dominant win. A third Grand Prix bronze medal for the Brazilian could reinvigorate his Tokyo 2020 push with the world number 17 under pressure in his bid for a second Olympics.                                      

The second bronze medal went to former Almaty Grand Prix winner Elios Manzi (ITA) who outlasted number one seed Cargnin in golden score. Cargnin, who finished fifth at his first World Championships in Baku last month, was second best in added time as he was caught by the young Italian for a waza-ari score after three additional minutes.