Somon Makhmadbekov controls Schimidt in shido final

Tajik Somon Makhmadbekov whose performance in Dushanbe two weeks ago had made a strong impression claimed a gold medal in Kazachstan this time. Winning in front of his home crowd was already an incredible feat, but to have him do it here, without the incredible support he had in Dushanbe, adds some luster to a building career.

Brazilian Guilherme Schimidt, as the top seed, has already proven he has what it takes to score big wins. His first round was a formality, as he won by two waza-ari in less than a minute against Aibol Nyssanali (KAZ), before having to draw on his reserves in the second round against Mendiola Izquieta (ESP), who was only eliminated on penalties. In the semi-finals, Schimidt finally won against Nugzari Tatalashvili to find his way towards the gold medal.

This was not a spectacular contest, but it showed the full control Somon Makhmadbekov had over his opponent to deliver a very precise and serious final, that pushed Guilherme Schimidt to be penalised three times. He simply couldn't apply any technique that would put Makhmadbekov in a difficult situation. The Tajik judoka signed for a second gold medal in a row. Makhmadbekov also defeated 2016 Olympic Champion Khasan Khalmurzaev.

Jose Maria Mendiola Izquieta (ESP) and Dimitri Gochilaidze (GEO) qualified for the first match for a bronze medal. Jose Maria Mendiola Izquieta folded the result into his pocket by pinning Gochilaidze within one minute. This is the second medal in a grand slam for the Spaniard.

Dominic Ressel (GER) and Nugzari Tatalashvili (UAE) faced each other to complete the podium and deliver a tough kumi-kata battle for an eventual victory for Ressel, Tatalashvili receiving three penalties.