Gold for Korea at forst day Grand Prix Jeju

Reigning Jeju Grand Prix champion Kim Won-Jin (KOR) retained his title as he defeated All Japan University Championships winner and IJF World Judo Tour newcomer Kaawano Ryoya (JPN) in the -60kg final. 2013 world bronze medallist Kim, who is still only 22, won bronze at the Asian Games recently and was successful in Jeju in an all-Asian final. Kim was one of the favourites in advance having a top position U60kg and able to defeat the best players.

The classy young Korean scored a yuko to open the contest and added a waza-ari which left no way back for his new opponent but judo fans can expect much more from both men in the coming years. 

In the first semi-final KAWANO Ryoya (JPN) blocked the route of GANBOLD Kherlen (MGL) with a last-gasp effort as he scored a waza-ari with three seconds left on the clock having trailed by a yuko for four and a half minutes. In the second semi-final KIM bested Baku Grand Slam winner Orkhan SAFAROV (AZE) by ippon after 73 seconds to ensure an all-Asian final between Japan and Korea in Jeju.  

The first bronze medal was claimed by top seed and former world silver medallist DASHDAVAA Amartuvshin (MGL) who dominated SAFAROV. The Mongolian would have expected more from his day but will be pleased with beating one of the top seeds and most dangerous judoka in the category for bronze. DASHDAVAA won with a waza-ari and yuko proving too much for the Azerbaijan fighter to respond to. The second bronze medal went to 22-year-old Abu Dhabi Grand Slam bronze medallist GANBOLD Kherlen (MGL) who defeated Havana Grand Prix bronze medallist Ashley MCKENZIE (GBR). Both bronze medals were captured by Mongolia with GANBOLD successful as a result of a waza-ari score which went unanswered.