Golden Georgia narrowly defeat reigning champions Russia

Georgia’s star-laden team overcome defending champions Russia in a nail-biting gold medal match. Former European champion Alim GADANOV (RUS) put Russia ahead with a win against Olympic champion Lasha SHAVDATUASHVILI (GEO). After both men received shido penalties for not taking a grip, GADANOV stepped up his work rate and was duly rewarded as he lifted SHAVDATUASHVILI for an ura-ange for a yuko score which steered him to a 1-0 victory. Zebeda REKHVIASHVILI (GEO) went down to a defeat against Murat KODZOKOV (RUS) as Russia doubled their lead. With a minute and a half remaining KODZOKOV attacked with uchi-mata which produced ippon.

Georgia fought back as European Champion Avtandili TCHRIKISHVILI (GEO) saw off Sirazhudin MAGOMEDOV (RUS) on shido penalties as the latter was penalised on two occasions for passivity while TCHRIKISHVILI infringed on one occasion for the same offence. With Georgia back in the match, they grew in confidence and Varlam LIPARTELIANI (GEO) put them back on level terms as Kirill DENISOV (RUS) was penalised twice compared to the one infringement from the Georgian as the momentum firmly swung in their favour. A stunning comeback was complete when Adam OKRUASHVILI (GEO) defeated 34-year-old Alexander MIKHAYLIN by ippon to capture the gold medal.

In the semi-final Russia, who eased past Colombia and Cuba without losing a single contest, inflicted a landslide defeat on Cuba as their impressive run continued. GADANOV (RUS) put the defending champions ahead with victory against Olympic bronze medallist CHO Jun-Ho (KOR). Moscow Grand Slam silver medallist Denis IARTCEV (RUS) doubled their advantage before World Judo Masters winner and Olympic bronze medallist Ivan NIFONTOV (RUS) sealed a place in the final at the expense of HONG Suk Woong (KOR). 2013 World Championship bronze medallist Kirill DENISOV (RUS) bested GWAK Dong Han (KOR) before Olympic bronze medallist Alexander MIKHAYLIN (RUS) suffered Russia’s first defeat against CHO Guham (KOR) as a consolation for the well beaten South Korean team.

At the same stage Georgia won by the same margin against Uzbekistan. Olympic bronze medallist and two-time world champion Rishod SOBIROV (UZB), who was elected to the IJF Athletes Commission today, put Uzbekistan in front as he defeated Olympic champion Lasha SHAVDATUASHVILI (GEO). Nugzari TATALASHVILI (GEO) restored parity as he humbled Mirali SHARIPOV (UZB) before 2013 World Championship silver medallist Avtandili TCHRIKISHVILI (GEO) edged the Georgian team ahead. Georgia’s second 2013 World Championship silver medallist Varlam LIPARTELIANI (GEO) steered his team through with their third win before Adam OKRUASHVILI (GEO) registered win number four.

In the quarter-final Russia shut out Cuba 5-0 in the quarter-final while Georgia, who opened their campaign with a 3-2 victory over France, defeated Mongolia 4-1. 

by  www.ijf.org