Yusifov’s comeback ignites Baku’s -60 kg final

Ahmad Yusifov claimed the -60 kg world title in Baku after a high-pressure final against Sherzod Davlatov of Kazakhstan. In a division packed with world and Olympic medallists, the two finalists had both reached the biggest match of their senior careers without a world or Olympic medal.

The arena was firmly behind Yusifov as he stepped on to the tatami, but Davlatov met the home support with bold, attacking Judo. The Kazakh judoka kept driving forward and scored Waza-ari with Ko-uchi-gari, putting Yusifov under immediate pressure.

Yusifov responded with composure and sharp timing. When Davlatov tried to lift him, the Azerbaijani countered for Waza-ari to level the contest. He then stayed active in the transition, circling into a hold-down that earned a second Waza-ari and secured gold.

Yusifov turned a Waza-ari deficit into a world title.

The victory gave Azerbaijan its first world champion of these championships. After the final, Yusifov credited the energy of the Baku crowd, saying their support helped push him through every stage of the competition.

The bronze-medal contests also delivered contrasting stories. Japan’s Ryuju Nagayama defeated Ayub Bliev in a fast, intense four-minute contest filled with attacks, counters and rapid defensive decisions. Nagayama scored yuko from a counter midway through the bout and held on despite appearing to suffer an injury late in the contest. The medal gives him world championship medals in consecutive years.

Georgia’s Giorgi Sardalashvili took the other bronze against Yung Wei Yang of Chinese Taipei. Sardalashvili controlled the rhythm through positive attacks, while Yang came under pressure and accumulated Shido. The Georgian eventually created momentum from a small chop-down before turning Yang on to his back and finishing with a hold-down for Ippon.

Sardalashvili had previously won world gold, and his Baku bronze added another significant result to his growing record. Davlatov finished with silver, while Nagayama and Sardalashvili completed the podium.

A dramatic final and two hard-earned bronzes shaped a memorable -60 kg day in Baku.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation