Rafael Silva on his way to the world leading position +100kg

Brazilian World number two Rafael Silva was too strong and too experienced for two-time Japanese Junior world champion Ojitani Takeshi in the +100kg final. Ojitani has defeated judoka such as Dusseldorf Grand Prix winner Kamikawa Daiki in domestic competition, lost out on shido penalties to Olympic bronze medallist Rafael Silva who is ready for battle in Chelyabinsk with the intention of going one better than his 2013 silver medal.

In the first semi-final Silva profited from a lack of industry shown by European u23 Championships silver medallist Sven Heinle of Germany. Silva was composed and active while 22-year-old Heinle accumulated four shido penalties for passivity to receive hansoku-make.In the second semi-final, the 22-year old Japanese powerhouse Ojitani bested Ulaanbaatar Grand Prix bronze medallist Daniel Natea of Romania. The heavyweight failed to do himself justice as he lost by hansoku-make after receiving four shido penalties with the final indiscretion as a result of a gripping infringement.    

The first bronze medal was won Tokyo Grand Slam bronze medallist Harasawa Hisayoshi (JPN) who defeated Natea by ippon from uchi-mata after 78 seconds. The second bronze medal was clinched by Madrid European Open silver medallist Maciej Sarnacki from \Poland who foiled German Heinle by ippon in 32 seconds. 

With his result Rafael Silva is on his way to the number one position as Riner doesn't always fight.

High-flying Japan hit the medal trail and topped the medal podium as they won five gold, three silver and six bronze ahead of heavy-hitting Brazil who won five gold, two silver and three bronze.