Matam only managed 140kg in his best snatch lift but a sublime effort of 180kg in the clean and jerk propelled him to the title.

Oleg Chen was one of eight Russian weightlifters banned from competing by the IWF at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

This decision, made by the IWF Executive Board, followed analysis of the McLaren Report, as well as the advice of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and re-analysis of Beijing 2008 and London 2012 samples.

The Russian has won three IWF World Championships at this weight category in 2011, 2013, 2015 and two European Championships gold in 2013 and 2014.

He put the disappointment of failing to compete in the Brazilian city behind him by taking silver with an overall score of 319kg today.

Robert Joachim of Germany completed the top three as he secured the bronze medal with 317kg.

In today's solitary women's category, Romania's Loredana Toma won the 63kg event.

She won with a combined score of 226kg to defeat Tatiana Aleeva of Russia who could only manage 223kg.

Rounding off the top three was another Russian, Tima Turieva, with her total of 218kg.

Action in Split is due to continue tomorrow.