Ono Yoko ousts world champion Arai in domestic battle

World champion Arai Chizuru suffered defeat for the first time in 2017 and against a teammate as Ono Yoko (JPN) ruled the -70kg category. Arai, 24, has won the Paris Grand Slam, Dusseldorf Grand Prix, All Japan Championships and World Championships this year but did not look comfortable against her familiar domestic rival Ono who seized her opportunity with both hands to stake her claim for major selections in the New Year.

A third shido for passivity against Arai sent Ono to the top of the medal podium as Japan registered another one-two.         

In the first semi-final world silver medallist Maria Perez (PUR) lost out to Arai in a rematch of the -70kg Worlds final. Arai held down Perez on the ground with a mune-gatame hold for ippon. In the second semi-final Ono defeated 19-year-old IJF World Judo Tour debutant Tanaka Shiho (JPN) when the newcomer was disqualified after being penalised for the third time.

The first bronze medal contest saw Tanaka defeat Marie Eve Gahie (FRA) by ippon to bolster Japan’s medal tally yet further.          

The second bronze medal contest featured Fanny Estelle Posvite (FRA) and Perez and it was the latter who sealed a place on the podium on shidos in golden score when the Frenchwoman was penalised for a second time.