Two British Judoka’s dreams were dashed in the first round of the World Championships during day three of judo’s presence in Rio. Both Nekoda Davis and Jan Gosiewski were thrown for ippon, despite leading early on in their respective contests.

In her debut to the world championship stage, 20-year-old Davis (-53kg) was a waza-ari up until she was caught for ippon in the dying seconds of the match by World bronze medalist Hedvig Karakas.

At first, referees thought that the Hungarian had scored a waza-ari, which actually would have put Davis ahead with only one shidos to Karakas two.

Unfortunately for the Briton this was reviewed and upgraded to an ippon. Still, her performance until that point showed that the athlete from Acton, London, is able to push the worlds best all the way, since Karakas placed fifth at London 2012.

At virtually the same time, 25-year old team-mate Jan Gosiewski, from Bath, was on another mat battling in the men’s -73kg competition on tatami two in his first World championships. Gosiewski, who won silver at the European Open in Tallinn earlier this year faced a tough draw in Dex Elmont of the Netherlands – a twice-World silver medal holder, World Masters’ silver medallist and London 2012 Olympian.

Gosiewski attempted a throw, but found himself countered for ippon almost three minutes into the match by the Dutchman. Until that point he was leading over his opponent who had a shido. With no athletes competing for GB on Thursday, next on the mat will be Olympic silver medallist Gemma Gibbons, Sally Conway and Natalie Powell on Friday.

Words by Donna Richardson. Images Mike Varey