Germany's Bischof wins men's 81kg gold

By Ian Ransom

BEIJING (Reuters) - Germany's Ole Bischof defeated Kim Jae-bum of South Korea in the men's 81kg judo final in Beijing on Tuesday.

The unheralded German never looked intimidated by his Asian champion opponent, anticipating Kim's attacks early and counter-attacking with speed and aggression.

Bischof drew first blood, throwing Kim to the mat to glean a crucial uko score and then coolly defending the lead until the clock ran down.

Bischof, who managed only a 23rd placing at the world championships last year, upset a number of more fancied opponents in the field, including world champion Tiago Camilo of Brazil and Athens silver medalist Roman Guntiuk of Ukraine.

Gontiuk won bronze after tripping Mongolia's Nyamkhuu Damdinsura for a high waza ari score early in their bout and defending stoutly to ensure the result.

Camilo recovered from being knocked out of the title race early, beating the Elmont Guillaume of the Netherlands in the other bronze decider.

(Editing by Miles Evans)

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