-66 kg: Naguchev Puts on a Show to Win Gold / IJF.org

Baskhuu Yondonperenlei (MGL) is always a serious contender for a victory on the World Judo Tour or at the very least, a medal. Unfortunately for him, the top-seeded Mongolian judoka was unable to compete, opening the field for all the outsiders. It was Temur Nozadze (GEO) who took full advantage of the situation at the top of the draw, qualifying for the semi-finals, where he faced his compatriot Lasha Nadiradze (GEO), guaranteeing a medal for the host country. In this close encounter, it was Nozadze who ultimately qualified for the final.

Final, Temur Nozadze (GEO) vs Abrek Naguchev (IJF)

In the second half of the draw, it was Abrek Naguchev (IJF), cadet and junior world champion, who emerged to reach his first career final on the World Judo Tour.

The final therefore opposed Temur Nozadze (GEO) and Abrek Naguchev (IJF) and as the two judoka stepped on the tatami, we had the feeling that something was going to happen and it did, Naguchev scoring no less than four times. His first was a waza-ari, followed by two other waza-ari that were downgraded to yuko, before scoring a clear ippon with a ko-uchi-gari. What a show that was!

Bronze medal contest, Azizbek Ortikov (UZB) vs Rashad Yelkiyev (AZE)

Azizbek Ortikov (UZB) and Rashad Yelkiyev (AZE) had a chance to reach the podium. With a brilliant uki-goshi, Ortikov took the lead with a yuko. Everything was still possible but nothing else noticeable happened and the bronze medal went to Azizbek Ortikov (UZB).

Bronze medal contest, Abdurakhim Nutfulloev (UZB) vs Lasha Nadiradze (GEO)

Either Abdurakhim Nutfulloev (UZB) or Lasha Nadiradze (GEO) could still complete the podium. After four minutes of normal time, the two competitors entered the golden score period with Nadiradze having two shido to his name. Nutfulloev was then penalised once, but the third shido went to Lasha Nadiradze, offering the bronze medal to his opponent.

Medals, cheques and flowers were presented by Mr Anzor Chubinidze, Head of Special State Protection Service of Georgia, and Mr David Kevkhishvili, Director of the IJF New Technologies and High Performance Commission, and 1st Vice President of the Georgian Judo Federation

Final (-66 kg)

NOZADZE Temur (GEO) vs NAGUCHEV Abrek (IJF)

Bronze Medal Fights (-66 kg)

ORTIKOV Azizbek (UZB) vs YELKIYEV Rashad (AZE)

NUTFULLOEV Abdurakhim (UZB) vs NADIRADZE Lasha (GEO)

Final Results (-66 kg)

1. NAGUCHEV Abrek (IJF)

2. NOZADZE Temur (GEO)

3. ORTIKOV Azizbek (UZB)

3. NUTFULLOEV Abdurakhim (UZB)

5. YELKIYEV Rashad (AZE)

5. NADIRADZE Lasha (GEO)

7. TUMASIANTS Levon (IJF)

7. PONGRACZ Bence (HUN)