In the -73 kg category, Shakhram Ahadov (UZB), silver medallist at the 2022 World Judo Masters, won, defeating Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov (UAE), thanks to a small yuko and a close finish. Abubakr Sherov (TKJ) and Yudai Tanaka (JPN) completed the podium.
The second non-Japanese victory of the day went to world number four and Olympic and world bronze medallist Joonhwan Lee (KOR) ahead of the world number 5, Somon Makhmadbekov (TJK), after fifteen seconds of golden score. Yuhei Pino (JPN) and Arslonbek Tojieve (UZB) joined the two finalists on the -81 kg podium.
The rest of the competition was more in line with the statistics, with the other three titles won by Japanese judoka Megumi Fuchida in the -57 kg category, Haruka Kaju in the -63 kg category, and Mayu Honda in the -70kg category. In these three weight divisions, the finalists were respectively Ariunzaya Terbish (MGL), Enkhriilen Lkhagvatogo (MGL), and Yingying Feng (CHN).
At -57 kg Shukurjon Aminova (UZB) and Bakyt Kussakbayeva (KAZ), at -63 kg Pei Chun Yuan (TPE) and Ji Hye Kim (PRK), and at -70 kg Song Hui Mun (PRK) and Nyam-Erdene Batsuuri (MGL) won continental bronze medals.
On Sunday the last categories will be in action, while the mixed team competition will be held on Monday.