North Korea captures first IJF Tour victory since 2014

North Korean Rim Song Sim had the measure of Ecaterina Guica of Canada in the U52kg final to capture her country’s first medal in Hohhot. Rim, became the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s third Grand Prix winner as she followed in the footsteps of Sol Kyong and Kuk Hyon Hong. The Asian judoka, whose team has been supported by the IJF to take part in China, won by ippon with a yoko-tomoe-nage. It was the first World Tour win of North Korea since 2014.

In the first semi-final Rim  bested Asian Championships silver medallist Chintogtokh Azzaya (MGL) by a waza-ari score. In the second semi-final GUICA inflicted defeat on former world champion Munkhbat Urantsetseg (MGL) who was held down for 20 seconds with a sankaku-gatame.

The first bronze medal was clinched by Munkhbat who blocked the medal bid of IJF world Judo Tour debutant Wang Jueyao (CHN). Mongolia’s Munkhbat, who will return to -48kg duty at the World Championships, had a ude-garami locked on during a transition and Wang submitted.

The second bronze medal was won by 21-year-old Asian Championships bronze medallist Wang Xin (CHN) who defeated Mongolian opposition in Chintogtokh. Wang found a way past former Ulaanbaatar Grand Prix silver medallist Chintogtokh after 74 seconds of golden score from a foot sweep which the latter never saw coming.

Give your ***** review of JudoInside

Give your ***** review of JudoInside