The 28-year-old Frenchman took gold at the International Judo Federation Openweight World Championships in the Moroccan city to bring his world gold medal tally into double figures.

He defeated Toma Nikiforov of Belgium in the final of the men's event at the Palais des Congrès after winning five previous matches against opponents of varying styles.

His undefeated streak now stretches all the way back to 2010.

"I can't say that I was at 100 per cent today, but I really had good feelings since this morning," said Riner.

"I enjoyed this competition very much. 

"It's a different format, it's totally different from a usual sports hall, but it's good to change sometimes and to get out of our comfort zone.

"I had really good matches and my opponents were strong. 

"It's good, that they want to take my place. 

"But I'm not ready to give it away.

"I wanted the tenth title. 

"I was dreaming of it and it happened in front of my family, which makes it even tastier.

"Now I will take a long vacation. 

"I need it.

"I will watch my weight but I need some rest. 

"I don't know yet if I will participate in the World Championships next year and in 2019.

"I have to adapt a little bit my rhythm.

"Today, I am world champion again, and I'm happy."

Riner, who also boasts two Olympic gold medals, hit Nikiforov for waza-ari after 25 seconds of the final, connecting with a fantastic sumi-gaeshi.

A second waza-ari arrived as the Frenchman countered his opponent's attack to hit o-soto-gari.

Riner was penalised for stepping out of the competition area with 11 seconds remaining but the result was not in doubt.

The Openweight World Championships were last held in 2011 and have returned to the judo calendar this year.

With no weight categories and no seeding, the event throws up the possibility of unique matches.

In the semi-finals, Riner ousted Cuba's Andy Granda, an opponent 40 kilograms lighter than the over-100kg competitor, with a waza-ari in the golden score period.

Nikiforov defeated Japan's Kokoro Kageura via ippon in his last four bout.

Kageura was beaten against as he lost to compatriot and repechage winner Takeshi Ojitani in the first bronze medal contest.

There was also double defeat for Granda as he lost an all-Cuban bronze affair to Alex Garcia Mendoza.

The women's event will be held tomorrow.

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