Xiaoshan, China, September 25, 2023: Chinese Taipei’s Lien Chen-Ling started off the gold medal judo matches with an upset victory over defending champion Momo Tamaoki of Japan in the women’s -57-kg category at the Asian Games on Monday afternoon at Xiaoshan Linpu Gymnasium.
In a tough battle that went into the Golden Score round, Lien ended matters quickly by Waza-ari just a few seconds in. The decision was confirmed by video review.
“Since the end of the last Olympics, perhaps even before those Olympics, I felt that I was going to retire,” stated Lien, who is competing in her fourth Asian Games. “The only reason I actually decided to stay on and compete was these Asian Games. Being able to come to this stage and then win is extremely emotional for me. I am now focused on Paris 2024 next year.”
Lien’s coach Tsai Yi-Fang praised her charge for the triumph.
“The process of subduing her opponent was really good,” Tsai said. “The pause in the middle was because we wanted to subdue the opponent better.”
Tamaoki, who was 5-0 against Lien coming into the final, commented: “We have known each other for a long time. I felt very honored to compete with her in a final today, even if I lost to her this time.”
It was a day of mixed results on the mat for Japan, which had four judoka in the five gold medal matches. The Japanese ended the day with two golds and two silvers.
Uzbekistan’s Murodjon Yuldoshev scored a narrow 1-0 victory over Japan’s Soichi Hashimoto in the men’s -73 class in another intense fight.
“I had lost to him twice before, so I had to come up with a different plan today and thank God I managed to get victory,” Yuldoshev commented. “I want to thank the president of our federation for his support and I dedicate this to everyone in Uzbekistan.”
Japan’s Miku Takaichi defeated China’s Tang Jing 10-0 by ippon in the Golden Score round in the women’s -63 kg category, disappointing the partisan home crowd on hand.
“I was able to stay in the contest, which gave me confidence,” Takaichi said. “I don’t think I was able to do my best today. I still want to compete in the Paris Olympics. If I get to do that, of course I will try my best.”
Tajikistan’s Somon Makhmadbekov edged Korea’s Lee Joonhwan 1-0 by Waza-ari in the men’s -81 kg class.
Makhmadbekov credited his country’s history in the sport in part for his victory.
“We have much experience on the judo stage,” Makhmadbekov noted.
Japan’s Shiho Tanaka bested Mun Songhui of DPR Korea in the women’s -70 kg category with a 10-0 win by ippon.
“I would like to thank the many fighters who I was able to battle,” Tanaka remarked.