Russia and Japan may rule judo championships

Host Japan will face a stiff challenge from Russia when the World Judo Championships begin in Osaka today.

Japan be the birthplace of judo, but Russia dominated the men's world championships two years ago in Munich, where they took home three golds, and arrive at the four-day championships with a strong and experienced team.

Alexandre Mikhaylin, who won the open category and the heavyweight division in 2001, will focus on the open category this time out, while European heavyweight champion Tamerlan Tmenov will compete in the over-100kg event.

Japan pin its hopes for the men's events on Olympic and world light-heavyweight champion Kosei Inoue and rising star Keiji Suzuki, who was selected for the open contest here after he outperformed Inoue at the national championships last April.

The 23-year-old Suzuki won the under-100kg light-heavyweight event at the Paris tournament in February.

Inoue, who relies on inside thigh throws, will be bidding for a third straight world title in the under-100kg class.

The 25-year-old judoka will have to overcome a challenge from European champion Ariel Zeevi of Israel.