Now more experienced, Bayramov found a way through Saha’s defence to progress to the semi-finals. There, he faced local favourite Tornike Gigauri (GEO), but once again proved unstoppable, advancing with authority to secure another final appearance in Georgia.
In the bottom half of the draw, the field was stacked, including Olympic silver medallist Willian Lima (BRA), who suffered an early exit at the hands of Petros Christodoulides (CYP).
David García Torne (ESP) appeared well placed to capitalise but Nurkanat Serikbayev (KAZ) had other plans. Delivering a dominant performance, he denied the Spaniard any opportunity and powered his way into the final to face Bayramov.
The final remained finely balanced, with the first penalty only awarded in the closing minute against Bayramov for a false attack. As the clock ticked down and golden score loomed, Nurkanat Serikbayev seized his moment, scoring a yuko with a one-handed uchi-mata to secure the gold medal.
In the first bronze medal contest, Ramazan Abdulaev (RUS) took on David García Torne (ESP). It was in golden score that the contest was decided, Abdulaev scoring a decisive yuko with uchi-mata.
Petros Christodoulides (CYP) and Tornike Gigauri (GEO) met in the contest for the second bronze medal. The crowd came alive as the home nation’s first medal opportunity of the weekend unfolded and Gigauri delivered in spectacular fashion, scoring ippon with a superb sumi-gaeshi.
Final (-66 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-66 kg)
