Such is the deep depth of Japanese women judo

JUDO

Yamagishi victorious at 48 kg, but fails to win spot on world championship team

Monday 04th April, 03:32 AM JST

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FUKUOKA —

Emi Yamagishi overcame defending champion Tomoko Fukumi and world champion Haruna Asami in winning the women’s 48-kilogram category at the national weight class championships Sunday, but it wasn’t enough to book a spot on this summer’s world championships team.

On the final day of competition, Yamagishi claimed the crown for the first time in three years—her third overall at the competition, which doubled as a selection meet for the worlds to be held in Paris from Aug. 23-28.

‘‘I am happy that I was able to win the title with many people rooting for me. I had to go up against two world champions, but I ended with a good result because I didn’t let that faze me in my matches. I still need to work on striking first with my techniques,’’ said Yamagishi, who was left off the team for Paris for Fukumi and Asami.

Ryuji Sonoda, coach of the women’s team, said he picked Fukumi and Asami because they have ‘‘a better track record overseas.’‘

Fukumi was denied a third straight title when she lost to Yamagishi in the semifinals while Asami surrendered in overtime of the final also to Yamagishi at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.

In other bouts, Hiroaki Hiraoka cruised to his fourth consecutive title in the men’s 60-kg class and Masashi Ebinuma won his second straight championship at 66 kg.

World champion Hiroyuki Akimoto tasted defeat when he was ousted in the semifinals in the 73-kg class won by Yasuhiro Awano.

Kana Abe, who is from the earthquake-ravaged area of Miyagi Prefecture, captured her first crown with victory over Kodokan Cup winner Ikumi Tanimoto at 63 kg in the absence of world champion Yoshie Ueno.