Takajo Tomofumi confirms favourite role U66kg in Tyumen

Former World Judo Masters silver medallist Takajo Tomofumi (JPN) thwarted 25-year-old former Junior world bronze medallist Gabit Yessimbetov of Kazakhstan in the U66kg final to keep his country on the gold medal trail. World number 207 Yessimbetov, who was last seen on the tour in 2014 finishing fifth at the first Tbilisi Grand Prix, was second best in the final as he was behind to a waza-ari and accumulated shido penalties which were a sign of his struggles in dealing with the ability of his world-class rival.

In the first semi-final Qingdao Grand Prix winner Yakub Shamilov (RUS) was surprised by Yessimbetov who won by ippon with a ura-nage with two minutes left on the clock. Yessimbetov silenced the home crowd when he took the lead with a waza-ari and never looked back as he grew in confidence and was a worthy winner. In the second semi-final Takajo sent Ulaanbaatar Grand Prix bronze medallist Dovdon Altansukh (MGL) into the repechage to fight for bronze and sealed his own progression into the -66kg final. Takajo held down Dovdon for 20 seconds and ippon as he adjusted his body to keep the pressure on the Mongolian who could not escape despite a spirited attempt. 

The first bronze medal was won by Ulaanbaatar Grand Prix bronze medallist Dovdon against 21-year-old newcomer Iman Sultanov (RUS) who faded in the closing minute as the Mongolian upped his pace and took control of the contest as he won by ippon. The second bronze medal went to Shamilov who saw off Minsk European Open silver medallist Anzaur Ardanov (RUS) by ippon after 91 seconds.