Wednesday, August 10, 2016

PH judoka Kodo Nakano defeated by Italian at Rio Olympics

Nakano is held down for 20 seconds to lose by ippon to Matteo Marconcini in the 81kg round of 64

MANILA, Philippines - Judoka Kodo Nakano found out less than a week ago that he'd be going to the 2016 Olympics. His stint in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil didn't last very long, however.
The 23-year-old Fil-Japanese competitor was defeated by Italy's Matteo Marconcini in the 81kg round of 64 on Tuesday, August 9. Marconcini, 26, held Nakano down for 20 seconds to secure w victory by ippon, or the judo equivalent of a knockout, in just 1:19.
Nakano, who is based in Japan with his Filipina mother, had represented the Philippines at the 2015 Southeast Asian Games but failed to medal. He entered the match with a world ranking of 133 while Marconcini is ranked 34.
With Nakano out, the Philippines now has 6 Olympians still to perform, including hurdler Eric Cray, long jumper Marestella Torres-Sunang, marathoner Mary Joy Tabal, taekwondo jin Kirstie Alora, swimmer Jasmine Alkhaldi and golfer Miguel Tabuena. Rappler.com
Author: Ryan Songalia