Belgium's Matthias Casse, bottom, and Canada's Francois Gauthier-Drapeau compete during the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Canada’s Francois Gauthier-Drapeau won the second Grand Slam gold medal of his judo career Saturday.

After opening the scoring in the first minute of the final against Russia’s Abdul-Kerim Tasuev, the 27-year-old from Alma, Que., scored a waza-ari — an action in which the opponent is thrown with control and accuracy — with just over two minutes to go, on his way to a decisive victory in the men’s 81-kilogram class.

The Canadian had to walk a tight line, however, to ensure he didn’t get a third penalty and blow his lead.

“In the final, I really did some good judo,” said Gauthier-Drapeau. “My techniques worked well, and I racked up points quickly.

“I had been a bit nervous a

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