LONDON — Russia's Mansur Isaev won the men's 73 kg category Monday, taking the second gold medal for his country in judo in a matter of days.
The fourth-seeded Isaev, 25, came out on top in a fast and furious fight with Japan's Riki Nakaya.
He deserved gold after beating Nakaya, the world No. 2, and reaching the final by overcoming South Korea's Wang Ki-Chun, the world No. 1 and silver medal winner in Beijing.
He emulated the success of countryman Arsen Galstyan on Saturday, who took gold in the men's 60 kg category, winning Russia's first judo gold since the Soviet collapse.
Mongolia's Nyam-Ochir Sainjargal took bronze by beating Dutchman Dex Elmont, whose brother Guillaume will compete Tuesday in the 81 kg section.
Mongolia has now won judo medals at every games since Athens in 2004.
France's Ugo Legrand defeated Wang to win the other bronze, his country's third judo bronze medal in London, and he received a standing ovation from French President Francois Hollande, who greeted him enthusiastically after his win.
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