After David Larose (pictured) had earned gold in the -66kg class on the first day of competition at the Echo Arena, the French provided three of the four semi-finalists in the -81kg, where Axel Clerget beat fellow countryman Quentin Joubert to gold by ippon.

Loic Pietri, France's British Open winner earlier this year, beat Italy's Matteo Marconcini to the bronze after losing to Joubert in his semi-final.

The final French medal came courtesy of Matthieu Thorel, who claimed bronze in the +100kg category.

Following Ashley McKenzie's inspiring victory in the -60kg, Britain added a bronze in the -90 kg category as Matthew Purssey defeated compatriot Winston Gordon in a tense contest.

After stepping off the medal rostrum Purssey said: "That was a big for me today, I knew I was capable of it and I put in a lot of effort to win the bronze so I'm very pleased with myself."

The -90kg category gold medal went to Christophe Lambert of Germany.

Britain's third medal of the weekend and second bronze of the day came through -100kg judoka James Austin who battled past Mael Le Normand.

The pair could not be separated on the scoreboard as the home crowd spurred on the determined Austin who outworked his opponent to receive all three flags in his favour after golden score.

Germany's Benjamin Behrla took the -100kg gold, while Brazil's Daniel Hernandes reigned supreme in the +100kg category.

McKenzie, the European under 23 champion, had delighted the home support with a string of rousing displays.

The charismatic 21-year-old Londoner stole the show as he offered an exhibition of world-class judo, opening his campaign with an emphatic ippon victory over German Robert Kopiske after a first round bye.

Nicholas Kossor from the United States was unceremoniously dispatched in the same manner, as McKenzie pumped his fists and lapped up the reaction of the crowd.

The Briton sealed a place in the final after edging Frenchman Issam Nour by a waza-ari score in a thrilling contest.

In a nervy final against Matjaz Trbovc of Slovakia, McKenzie moved in front by throwing for a waza-ari at the halfway point.

The score proved enough and as the contest concluded, the Echo Arena Liverpool erupted.

After the contest, McKenzie said: "The crowd was so behind me, they were great.

"I feel really positive, everything I do is towards the Olympic Games, I got gold today and that's all I can ask of myself.

"It's my first GB World Cup medal and it's great to get a big win it at home."

Rising compatriot Lewis Keeble, who took silver at the British Open (London European Cup) in May, again showcased his exciting talent as he battled his way to the bronze medal final.

The popular 20-year-old, who defeated the talented German Sebastian Seidl to fight for bronze, pushed Belgium's Jasper Lefevere to the distance as he narrowly lost out to a waza-ari.

In the opening ceremony, British Judo chair and European Judo Union (EJU) head sports director Densign White said: "I welcome everyone to the event and to Liverpool.

"All of the international judoka are still trying to qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Games and the GB World Cup is an important event on the annual calendar.

"We've seen athletes representing every continent in action and I thank all the competitors, staff, volunteers and fans for playing their part in this first class event."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]