Derly makes Brazilian judo history in Cairo

Joao Derly missed out on the Olympics last year after making the transition from under 60kg to his new weight category and failing to gain enough qualification points. He had been one of the top under 60kg fighters in the world in 2003 but Brazilian coaches forced him to move up a division last year because team doctors said he was losing too much weight to make the 60kg limit and it was dangerous for his health.

There was more disappointment for Japan as Yuki Yokosawa had to settle for silver in the under 52kg category, losing to a Chinese athlete - just as she did in the Olympics.

Li Ying found the vital breakthrough with a subtle inner leg sweep (ouchi-gari) to earn the minor score she needed to win the gold medal.

A year ago, it was her compatriot Xian Dongmei who denied Yokosawa the gold medal.

Hungary's Akos Braun added the world under 73kg crown to the European title he won in May but his victory was still a surprise.

As has been a characteristic of the men's divisions this year, many of the favourites crashed out early on and Braun came through the rubble to beat Italy's Francesco Bruyere in the final by a single penalty.

If Braun's appearance in the final was a surprise, Bruyere's was a total shock as he had no previous results to suggest he was capable of reaching that level.