Connolly eliminated in judo quarters

Christchurch-based Elliott Connolly had a mixed time of it in the men’s 81kg judo competition.

Connolly, 28, won his opening bout against Sri Lankan Rajitha Pushpakumara with an ippon after 1min 56s.

However, he came unstuck in his quarter-final against the talented Canadian Mohab Elnahas and lost by an ippon after 1min 43s.

Into the repechage and Connolly fought hard against Uros Nikolic of Australia. Nikolic managed to register two waza-ari by the 3min 13s mark. Gwo waza-ari represent an ippon.

The final fall Connolly took left him lying on the canvas in some pain. It appeared he had twisted his neck and there was some initial concern, but he got up and walked off, to be assessed by medical staff.