Fourth title for Yu Song in Qingdao
Yu Song personally won four Grand Prix titles in Qingdao. She contributes heavily in the consecutive 7 wins for China in the women's heavyweight category by just three women, Qin Qian, Tong Wen and Yu Song.
The awaited final took place in Qingdao, as world number one and two, both from China, met to determine the leadership over the category. Current world champion, born in Qingdao, YU Song was opposed to her teammate Ma Sisi, who regularly opposes her teammate in international competition. The world number one had difficult moments in the preliminary rounds as she only won against Gulzhan Issanova (KAZ) by penalty and Kim Jiyoun (KOR), before being close to being defeated by the second Korean Kim Minjeong in semi-final. In the other half of the draw, Ma Sisi had a much easier tournament. With the public attending in great numbers today, it was largely in hope of seeing this final and to see who really has the supremacy over the category.
Just before halfway mark of the fight, YU Song took a little advantage as Ma Sisi was penalised with a first shido. This difference of penalty was enough to give the victory to Yu Song who confirmed her world number one position, especially since the current Olympic champion, Idalys Ortiz (CUB) was defeated during the preliminary rounds.
The first bronze medal fight opposed Svitlana Iaromka (UKR) and Belkis Zehra Kaya (TUR). After a little more than one minute, Iaromka launched a first soto-makikomi for yuko immediately followed with an immobilisation for ippon.
Santa Pakenyte (LTU) and Kim Minjeong (KOR) fought for the second +78kg bronze medal to be awarded in Qingdao. The four minutes of the regular time were not enough to decide the winner between the two athletes as one shido was given on both sides. It was time for golden score and a superb uchi-mata from Kim to score a waza-ari and put an end to the bout.
Result | City | Date |
---|---|---|
2 | Paris | 30 Jul |
1 | Abu Dhabi | 21 May |
1 | Zagreb | 26 Apr |
3 | Belgrade | 2023 |
2 | Montpellier | 2023 |