Yoshimoto continues to shine while in Susaki’s shadow

Saturday, December 21, 2024 - 15:41 By Ken Marantz

Remina YOSHIMOTO successfully defended her 50kg title with a win over Umi ITO. (Photo: Takeo YABUKI / JWF)

TOKYO (December 21) -- In a world without Yui SUSAKI, Remina YOSHIMOTO might have accumulated a stack of world and perhaps Olympic titles by now. But the reality is what it is, and Yoshimoto continues to pick up any golds that Susaki decides to forego.

Yoshimoto, who for five years now has not lost to an opponent not named Susaki, captured her second straight women's 50kg title at the Emperor's Cup All-Japan Championships on Saturday in Tokyo.

The 2021 world champion scored the decisive takedown midway through the second period, then held on for a 3-2 victory over 2023 world U23 champion Umi ITO for her fourth career crown.

"I defended at the end when the match got tough," Yoshimoto said. "I realize that I need to be able to defend by breaking the opponent down. I'll keep that in mind at practice from now on."

In other highlights on the third day of the four-day tournament at Tokyo's Yoyogi No. 2 Gym, world U20 champion Sakura ONISHI captured her first Emperor's Cup title at 59kg in dramatic fashion, while Tatsuya SHIRAI picked up an elusive first crown two years after a historic victory at the world U23.

Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN) Remina YOSHIMOTO tries to turn Umi ITO after scoring a second-period takedown in the women's 50kg final. (Photo: Takeo YABUKI / JWF)

In the women's 50kg final, an exchange of activity points had Yoshimoto ahead on criteria when she scored a double-leg takedown at the midpoint of the second period. Ito pressed ahead and scored a stepout with 12 seconds left, but a last-ditch shot was parried by Yoshimoto's sprawl, which is how the match ended.

From the start of 2020, the 24-year-old Yoshimoto has lost just four matches -- all to Susaki, the 2021 Tokyo Olympic gold medalist who took a bronze last summer in Paris after being dealt her first-ever loss by a non-Japanese.

Since then, along with her triumph at the 2021 worlds that Susaki skipped, Yoshimoto also captured international golds at the 2021 and 2022 Asian Championships, as well as the 2023 Asian Games.

There is speculation that Susaki, who has struggled to make weight at 50kg, might move up to 53kg in the run-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. That prospect was made more viable with the announcement by Akari FUJINAMI, the Paris gold medalist at 53kg, that she will move up to 57kg.

"I'm not thinking about that," Yoshimoto said. "Anyway, I'm aiming to go to the World Championships next year at 50kg. I'm looking at each and every match as they come and not thinking about what my weight class will be ahead."

Another reality of Japanese women's wrestling is that there always seems to be someone new coming down the pipe. Even if Susaki leaves, coming up behind Yoshimoto is red-hot teenager Yuu KATSUME, with whom she is well acquainted -- they are in the same training group.

Yoshimoto still trains at her alma mater of Shigakkan University, where members of the team from the affiliated high school, which Katsume attends, also practice. Katsume has put up Fujinami-like numbers, having won 18 straight tournaments, including the world U17 at 46kg this year, since a loss in the fifth grade of elementary school in 2019.

"She's really motivating me," Yoshimoto said. "It provides a great training environment.

As for someday finally getting the best of Susaki, Yoshimoto said, "She's really got my number and it's been tough. I want to find the strength and a way to win."

Sakura ONISHI (JPN) Sakura ONISHI forces Sena NAGAMOTO to her back before securing a fall in the women's 59kg final. (Photo: Takeo YABUKI / JWF)

Rising star Onishi pins down 1st title

At women's 59kg, Onishi was trailing 6-4 in the second period when she used a nifty move to take 2023 world U23 silver medalist Sena NAGAMOTO directly to her back and secure a fall at 4:50.

In the standing position, Onishi had an overhook on Nagamoto's right arm. But instead of going for an underhook on the other side, she twisted to her own right while applying pressure on the arm, crushing Nagamoto to the mat.

"I was trying for low singles, but she was ready for that," Onishi said. "Even if I got in, I couldn't get points from it. I thought, what should I do? My coach in the corner gave me advice and I had faith in it. At the end, the move I used is one that I thought I would use at some time. To do it on such a big stage gives me confidence."

The 18-year-old Onishi stole the spotlight last spring when she took down one of Japan wrestling's biggest names at the Meiji Cup All-Japan Invitational Championships, which, along with the preceding year's Emperor's Cup, serve as domestic qualifiers for the World Championships.

Onishi stunned two-time Olympic champion Risako KINJO (formerly KAWAI) en route to the 59kg title. Although she suffered a last-second loss to Kinjo in a playoff for the 59kg spot at the Non-Olympic Weight Category World Championships, Onishi's credentials were well established.

With world U17 and U20 titles already in her collection, Onishi can clinch a trip to her first senior World Championships with a victory at next year's Meiji Cup, which will be held in June.

"The Meiji Cup [last year] was my first [senior] national-level tournament, so I felt no pressure," Onishi said. "I went there to enjoy the experience and I kind of flew under the radar. This time I will be seeded and, even though I'm just 18, there will be pressure. I'm really grateful to all those who support me."

Onishi is currently a freshman at powerhouse Nippon Sports Science University, where Olympic champion Fujinami has taken her under her wing as a mentor. Like all but one of Japan's 11 Olympic medalists, Fujinami was not entered in the tournament, but she was on hand to cheer on her teammate.

"Akari was watching me from the stands and that gave me strength," Onishi said with reverence. "She's the person I admire the most. It's because of Akari that I am here now."

Tatsuya SHIRAI (JPN) Tatsuya SHIRAI, right, clamps down on Yudai TAKAHASHI in the freestyle 86kg final. (Photo: Takeo YABUKI / JWF)

Shirai finally breaks through at 86kg

Two years ago in Pontevedra, Spain, Shirai was on top of the world when he won the freestyle 86kg gold at the World U23 Championships, a feat that made him the heaviest Japanese in history to win a world title on any age level.

After that, things did not go so well, as Hayato ISHIGURO established himself as the top dog at 86kg and qualified for the Paris Olympics. Shirai failed to defend his world U23 title in 2023, losing the Aaron BROOKS (USA), who ironically would oust Ishiguro in Paris. Shirai also had to settle for a bronze at this year's Asian Championships.

In Saturday's final, Shirai grinded to a 3-0 victory over Yudai TAKAHASHI in a battle between two immovable blocks of granite and former NSSU teammates, scoring a stepout to go with a pair of activity points.

"We know each other pretty well," Shirai said.

To make the final, Shirai had to get past veteran Sohsuke TAKATANI, winning their semifinal clash 2-1, with all of those points coming on the activity clock.

"I think what Shirai needs to be concerned with is that he didn't score any technical points off me," Takatani said. "You can't leave winning or losing up to the referee. If he's going to aim for the Olympics, he needs to be more bold."

Takatani is a 12-time national champion who dropped back down to 86kg after spending the past three years at 92kg or 97kg -- and even taking a stab at Greco. Currently the head coach at Takushoku University, he won a world silver medal at 74kg in 2014, and made three Olympic appearances but never came home with a medal.

When younger brother Daichi won the 74kg silver in his Olympic debut last summer in Paris, it apparently lit a fire in Sohsuke.

He says his immediate goal is to get to the 2026 Asian Games, a tournament in which he has never taken part and which will be hosted by Japan. Long term, his eyes may also be on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, when he will be 39.

Godai MITANI (JPN) Godai MITANI scores the first of two quick-fire 4-point throws in the Greco 63kg final against Ayata SUZUKI. (Photo: Takeo YABUKI / JWF)

Soon-to-be-fireman goes out with a bang

Unheralded Ikuei University senior Godai MITANI pulled off the surprise of the day when he obliterated three-time Asian medalist Ayata SUZUKI with a pair of spectacular throws in the Greco 63kg final.

Mitani used an arm drag to lock up Suzuki's right arm, then reached around and grabbed his chin and twisted him back and down to the mat for a quick 4.

Suzuki came out of the scramble with a front headlock, but Mitani worked his way up to lock up Suzuki's head and arm, then, putting his schoolboy judo experience to work, hit a hip throw for another 4 to end the match in 28 seconds.

Mitani was unknown when he entered Ikuei, where he worked hard and managed to make his way onto some collegiate podiums, culminating with his first and only national collegiate championship this year.

Mitani has never competed overseas and, although he is halfway to earning a trip to next year's World Championships, he will not be going. Mitani said the All-Japan was his final tournament, as he has already committed to joining the fire department in his home Hiroshima Prefecture after graduating.

Also putting a cap on their career was Ikuei teammate Hanano SAKURAI, the younger sister of Paris Olympic 57kg champion Tsugumi SAKURAI. Hanano, who took a bronze medal at 50kg, will take a job as an elementary school teacher back home in Kochi Prefecture.

Day 3 Results

Freestyle

74kg (15 entries)
GOLD -- Hikaru TAKADA df. Iori KOSHIBA, 5-3
BRONZE -- Shuri ITO df. Kojiro SHIGA by TF, 12-0, 3:38
BRONZE -- Daiju SUZUKI df. Ryota UCHIYAMA, 8-3

79kg (16 entries)
GOLD -- Ryonosuke KAMIYA df. Ryuki YOSHIDA, 4-4
BRONZE -- Subaru TAKAHARA df. Hirotaka ABE, 5-0
BRONZE -- Kirin KINOSHITA df. Natsura OKAZAWA, 8-5

86kg (8 entries)
GOLD -- Tatsuya SHIRAI df. Yudai TAKAHASHI, 3-0
BRONZE -- Sohsuke TAKATANI df. Masakiyo YOSHIDA by TF, 11-0, 1:19
BRONZE -- Fumiya IGARASHI df. Daisuke MASUDA by TF, 10-0, 1:17

Greco-Roman

55kg (18 entries)
GOLD -- Yuhei YAMAGIWA df. Kenta OGUSU by TF, 9-0, 3:29
BRONZE -- Mizuki ARAKI df. Soken MASUDA, 9-5
BRONZE -- Ryuma KAWANO df. Taiga ONISHI, 10-3

63kg (20 entries)
GOLD -- Godai MITANI df. Ayata SUZUKI by TF, 8-0,: 28
BRONZE -- Komei SAWADA df. Kazuki YABE, 1-1
BRONZE -- Manato NAKAMURA df. Taishi NARIKUNI by TF, 8-0, :59

130kg (15 entries)
GOLD -- Yuta NARA df. Shion OBATA, 3-1
BRONZE -- Sota OKUMURA df. Koei YAMADA, 5-1
BRONZE -- Ayumu IWASAWA df. Naoto YAMAGUCHI, 7-1

Women's Wrestling

50kg (12 entries)
GOLD -- Remina YOSHIMOTO df. Umi ITO, 3-2
BRONZE -- Hanano SAKURAI df. Rinka OGAWA, 4-0
BRONZE -- Miyu NAKAMURA df. Mayo OTA, 7-0

59kg (12 entries)
GOLD -- Sakura ONISHI df. Sena NAGAMOTO by Fall, 4:50 (6-6)
BRONZE -- Yui SAKANO df. Sae NOGUCHI, 8-3
BRONZE -- Himeka TOKUHARA df. Minori ASANO by TF, 10-0, 1:41

76kg (6 entries)
GOLD -- Nodoka YAMAMOTO df. Yasuha MATSUYUKI by TF, 10-0, :56
BRONZE -- Mizuki NAGASHIMA df. Miku OTSUNA, 4-1

#WrestleBelgrade

Susaki defends 50kg title, leads Japan sweep of WW golds

Thursday, September 21, 2023 - 00:12 By Ken Marantz

BELGRADE, Serbia (September 20) -- A day after showing a few chinks in her armor, Yui SUSAKI (JPN) completed her crusade to a fourth world title and a shot at a second straight Olympic gold with a display of her old dominance.

Susaki blasted away Otgonjargal DOLGORJAV (MGL) with a 10-0 technical fall to retain the women's 50kg title at the World Championships, leading a Japanese sweep of the four gold medals at stake in women's wrestling on Wednesday at Belgrade's Stark Arena.

"As a Tokyo Olympic champion, I want to be one who pulls the Japanese team up and can be relied on," said Susaki, whose preparations for Belgrade were severely curtailed by a torn ligament of her right knee.

In the other Olympic weights, Tsugumi SAKURAI (JPN) successfully defended her title at 57kg for her third straight world gold, and Yuka KAGAMI (JPN) won at 76kg, making her the first Japanese woman to win a world title at the heaviest weight in two decades.

Meanwhile, Nonoka OZAKI (JPN) captured a second straight world title with a bittersweet victory in the non-Olympic weight of 65kg.

Susaki's match against Dolgorjav was a rematch of the final a year ago in the same arena, and it went better than expected, given the problems Susaki had in her preparations for Belgrade and the vulnerability she showed in her matches on Tuesday.

It was vintage Susaki, who came out firing on all cylinders, scoring a single-leg takedown and immediately going into her devastating lace lock. She could only manage three spins, but that only delayed the inevitable as she quickly scored another single-leg takedown to finish off the match in 1:29.

The 24-year-old Susaki, who won her previous world titles in 2017, 2018 and 2022, had been unable to properly train in the run-up to Belgrade and even skipped a national team training camp, which is otherwise unheard of.

But she said that with a strong support team, she managed to be ready enough for the mission at hand. "If I had to do it on my own, I would not have made it here," Susaki said.

Susaki turned heads during the preliminary rounds on Tuesday when she gave up rare points in two matches, a far cry from her winning run at the Tokyo Olympics and last year's worlds, where she struck gold without conceding a point.

Yui SUSAKI (JPN) is now a four-time senior world champion. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Susaki said she gained inspiration from the Japan men's basketball team, which earlier this month put on amazing rallies at the World Cup to clinch a place at the Paris Olympics.

"At that time, coach [Tom] HOVASSE used the word 'Believe,'" Susaki said. "My sister sent me a video of the clinching game and said, 'Yui, we believe in you. If you are hurt or things are going tough, we believe you will become a world champion and get to the Paris Olympics.'

"That really gave me strength and by believing, I won the world title."

The Belgrade worlds also serves as the first qualifier for spots at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with five quotas available in each weight class. For the Japanese wrestlers, their federation has decreed that winning a medal means that they fill the spot without having to go through a playoff process.

"There is going to be pressure and other circumstances in the year heading to the Paris Olympics, but I'm really looking forward to all of it," Susaki said. "I definitely want to win a second straight title in Paris.

Tsugumi SAKURAI (JPN) defeated Anastasia NICHITA (MDA) to become a three-time world champion. (Photo: UWW / Kostadin Andonov)

Sakurai captured her third world title overall and the ticket to Paris with a 3-2 victory over Anastasia NICHITA (MDA) in a battle of 2022 world champions.

Sakurai gained an activity point in the first period but had trouble finishing off her takedown attempts against Nichita, the gold medalist last year at 59kg who dropped down to the Olympic weight. But Sakurai finally broke through off a 2-on-1 for a 3-0 lead.

Nichita gained a takedown with 25 seconds left to make it interesting, but Sakurai staved off her late attempts to secure the win.

Like the other Japanese, Sakurai had to go through a grueling process just to make the team to Belgrade. In her case, it meant beating Tokyo Olympic champion Risako KAWAI (JPN) (now KINJO) among others.

"I trained for the purpose of winning this gold medal," said the 22-year-old Sakurai, who also won the world title at 55kg in 2021. "There were tough times, but I'm glad I practiced hard."

Sakurai said she received many messages of congratulations after winning her semifinal on Tuesday, which clinched the Olympic spot. But for her, the job was not finished.

"To me, I had one more match to win, so I went into today with a different mind," she said. "I practiced to win the title, not get to the Olympics.

"It's interesting to think about what the Olympics is like. I think I will be studied more [by my opponents], so I want to train hard to become a strong wrestler who can beat any opponent."

Yuka KAGAMI (JPN) won the 76kg gold medal for her first world title. (Photo: UWW / Kostadin Andonov)

At 76kg, Kagami added her first senior title to her collection of age-group golds when Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ) sadly had to default after suffering a knee injury.

Kagami scored a takedown on a low single early in the second period but wrenched Medet Kyzy's right knee in the process. Medet Kyzy would continue, but Kagami increased the lead to 8-0 and eventually, the tournament doctor decided Medet Kyzy was unable to go on.

While it was not the optimal way to win, it did not take away from the joy felt by Kagami, who had to overcome a shoulder injury herself that required surgery early in the year.

"This is the best and happiest day of my life," said Kagami, who won a bronze medal last year. "In December I was injured, and it was a hard recovery for six months. Every day I was out of breath and crying as I practiced.

"The competition in Japan is hard and it's even harder in the world, but I didn't set limits for myself and I set a goal. My objective was to win a gold medal."

Kagami, who turned 22 last week, is a product of the JOC Elite Academy which also produced Susaki and Ozaki. Her victory makes her the first Japanese champion at the heaviest women's weight since Kyoko HAMAGUCHI (JPN) won at 72kg in 2003.

Nonoka OZAKI (JPN) used the lace to beat Macey KILTY (USA) 10-0 in the 65kg final. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Ozaki won the world gold last year at 62kg but lost out to Sakura MOTOKI (JPN) for a place on the Japan team at that weight. When Motoki advanced to the 62kg final earlier in the day, it all but closed off Ozaki's path to Paris, barring injury or other unforeseen circumstances.

That realization came to the fore after she defeated Macey KILTY (USA) in the 65kg final. She managed a smile, but would soon be reduced to tears about taking home what for her is a consolation prize.

"When I won the title, it hit me that it wasn't in an Olympic weight class," Ozaki said of breaking down in tears after taking a victory lap with the Japanese flag.

Ozaki rolled to her third 10-0 technical fall in four matches -- the other was a 9-0 victory -- overwhelming Kilty in the final for her second world gold and third medal overall.

Ozaki gained a single-leg takedown, then reeled off a pair of lace-lock rolls. When Kilty managed to squirm out of the hold, Ozaki bulled her over for another 2, then applied the coup to grace by turning her over a final time with a cross-face and leg lift at 1:01.

"It was tough to see someone else clinch the team spot in my weight class," said Ozaki, who broke down while speaking to the media in the mixed zone. "It was my own fault. Sports is like that. I have to accept it."

Ozaki will now look to bounce back at the Asian Games early next month.

"I have the option of going to the Asian Games," Ozaki said. "The 62kg division has Aisuluu [TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ)] and the strong Mongolian [Orkhon PUREVDORJ (MGL)]. We will be leaving one week after I get home. I have no choice but to put this behind me."

Helen MAROULIS (USA) won a bronze medal at 57kg after victory over Anhelina LYSAK (POL). (Photo: UWW / Kostadin Andonov)

Maroulis, Gray grab bronzes, Paris places

American 30-something stars Helen MAROULIS (USA) and Adeline GRAY (USA) both added to their extensive world medal collections and claimed an Olympic berth in their weight class with 10-6 victories in the bronze-medal matches.

Maroulis gave up a 4-point throw during her clash with Anhelina LYSAK (POL), but stuffed her twice for points en route to win 10-6 at 57kg.

Gray, whose loss in the quarterfinals to Kagami ended her bid for a seventh world gold, punctuated her takedowns with points from par terre, and that made the difference in her 10-6 decision over Milaimys MARIN (CUB) at 76kg.

It was still a triumph of sorts for Gray, who returned to the mat this year for the first time since her gold-medal run in 2021 after getting married and giving birth to twins.

Earlier, compatriot and Olympic bronze medalist Sarah HILDEBRANDT (USA) earned her second straight bronze medal and fourth world medal overall, scoring a takedown in each period to defeat 2022 European champion Evin DEMIRHAN (TUR) 5-0 at 50kg.

Tatiana RENTERIA (COL) won the bronze medal, only the second for Colombia at the World Championships. (Photo: UWW / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Colombia had two chances to get just the second world medal in its history, and after Alisson CARDOZO (COL) came up short at 50kg, Tatiana RENTERIA (COL) pulled it off at 76kg.

Renteria, the 2022 world U23 champion, had a 6-1 lead when she stopped a desperation throw attempt by Catalina AXENTE (ROU), fell on top of her and secured a fall with one second left on the clock.

With the victory, Renteria joins namesake Jackeline RENTERIA (COL), a bronze medalist at 63kg in 2017, as Colombia's world medalist.

Asian bronze medalist Ziqi FENG (CHN) gave China its first Olympic berth with a Japanese-like, lace-locked-filled technical fall over Cardozo at 50kg. Feng gained a single-leg takedown, then immediately locked up the ankles and ripped off four rolls for a 10-0 victory in 2:19.

Odunayo ADEKUOROYE )COL Odunayo ADEKUOROYE (NGR) won the 57kg bronze and qualified Nigeria for the Paris Olympics. (Photo: UWW / Kostadin Andonov)

In the other third-place match at 57kg, Odunayo ADEKUOROYE (NGR) picked up her fourth world medal by putting on a late rush and then holding on to defeat Elvira KAMALOGLU (TUR) 9-5.

Akekuoroye was trailing 1-1 on criteria when she scored a takedown with a minute to go, then seemed to put the match away with three lace-lock rolls. But Kamalaglu put the pressure on and got two stepouts, each with a fleeing point tacked on, but it was not enough to deny the Nigerian.

At 65kg, European champion Mimi HRISTOVA (BUL) picked up her first world medal, muscling Tatsiana PAULAVA (AIN) into a cradle and securing a fall at 1:51 of their bronze-medal match.

LILI (CHN) also got her opponent into a cradle, but although she was at the edge and didn't have the room to turn Kadriye AKSOY (TUR) over, the takedown was enough to give her a 3-2 victory and the other 65kg bronze.

Turkiye, Poland, Cuba win 5th-place playoffs

Turkiye, Poland and Cuba each picked up a Paris quota when their wrestler won the fifth-place playoff in their respective weight class.

Turkiye's Demirhan scored a first-period takedown and defeated Cardozo 4-1 at 50kg, but her country was prevented from a second one when Poland's Lysak pinned Kamaloglu at 57kg.

Lysak twice gave up exposure points after scoring with a throw, but on the third attempt, managed to hold down Kamaloglu for the fall.

At 76kg, Cuba's Marin made short work of Axente, using a blast double to send her to her back and scoring a fall in 49 seconds.

Day 4 Results

Women

50kg (28 entries)
GOLD: Yui SUSAKI (JPN) df. Otgonjargal DOLGORJAV (MGL) by TF, 10-0, 1:29

BRONZE: Ziqi FENG (CHN) df. Alisson CARDOZO (COL) by TF, 10-0, 2:18
BRONZE: Sarah HILDEBRANDT (USA) df. Evin DEMIRHAN (TUR) by 5-0

5th-Place Playoff: Evin DEMIRHAN (TUR) df. Alisson CARDOZO (COL), 4-1

53kg (31 entries)
GOLD: Akari FUJINAMI (JPN) vs. Vanesa KALADZINSKAYA (AIN)

Semifinal: Akari FUJINAMI (JPN) df. Maria PREVOLARAKI (GRE) by TF, 10-0, 00:42
Semifinal: Vanesa KALADZINSKAYA (AIN) df. ANTIM (UWW), 5-4

57kg (36 entries)
GOLD: Tsugumi SAKURAI (JPN) df. Anastasia NICHITA (MDA), 3-2

BRONZE: Odunayo ADEKUOROYE (NGR) df. Elvira KAMALOGLU (TUR), 9-5
BRONZE: Helen MAROULIS (USA) df. Anhelina LYSAK (POL), 10-6

5th-Place Playoff: Anhelina LYSAK (POL) df. Elvira KAMALOGLU (TUR) by Fall, 1:56 (8-4)

62kg (34 entries)
GOLD: Sakura MOTOKI (JPN) vs. Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ)

Semifinal: Sakura MOTOKI (JPN) df. Grace BULLEN (NOR), 2-1
Semifinal: Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ) df. Luisa NIEMESCH (GER), 4-2

65kg (17 entries)
GOLD: Nonoka OZAKI (JPN) df. Macey KILTY (USA) by TF, 10-0, 1:00

BRONZE: Mimi HRISTOVA (BUL) df. Tatsiana PAULAVA (AIN) by Fall, 1:51 (4-2)
BRONZE: Lili LILI (CHN) df. Kadriye AKSOY (TUR), 3-2

68kg (33 entries)
GOLD: Delgermaa ENKHSAIKHAN (MGL) vs. Buse CAVUSOGLU TOSUN (TUR)

Semifinal: Delgermaa ENKHSAIKHAN (MGL) df. Emma BRUNTIL (USA) by Fall, 2:44 (6-0)
Semifinal: Buse CAVUSOGLU TOSUN (TUR) df. Ami ISHII (JPN) by TF, 11-1, 2:40

72kg (18 entries)
GOLD: Davaanasan ENKH AMAR (MGL) vs. Amit ELOR (USA)

Semifinal: Davaanasan ENKH AMAR (MGL) df. Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ), 6-2
Semifinal: Amit ELOR (USA) df. Kendra DACHER (FRA) by TF, 12-2, 5:24

76kg (29 entries)
GOLD: Yuka KAGAMI (JPN) df. Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ) by Inj. Def., 5:06 (8-0)

BRONZE: Tatiana RENTERIA (COL) df. Catalina AXENTE (ROU) by Fall, 5:58 (8-1)
BRONZE: Adeline GRAY (USA) df. Milaimys MARIN (CUB), 10-6

5th-Place Playoff: Milaimys MARIN (CUB) df. Catalina AXENTE (ROU) by Fall, :49 (8-0)

Yoshimoto continues to shine while in Susaki’s shadow

Comments

Susaki defends 50kg title, leads Japan sweep of WW golds