Vladimir Akhalkatsi claimed the gold medal in the 81kg category at the ongoing Judo Open Championship in Rome, triumphing over fellow Georgian Irakli Beroshvili in the final match.

In the 90kg category, three other Georgian judokas faced early exits. Luka Maisuradze, a world and European champion making his return after a year-long break, was defeated by Italian competitor in the round of 16. Mikheil Kuprashvili and Tornike Poladishvili also competed in the same weight class.

The Rome Open Championship will conclude on November 10 with medals awarded in the 81, 90, 100, and +100kg weight categories.