LOS BAÑOS – Kiyomi Watanabe's bid for Tokyo Olympics glory came to an abrupt end on Tuesday after bowing to Spain's Cristina Cabana in the first round of the women's under-63-kilogram judo event at the Nippon Budokan Center.
In a shocker of a result, Cabana only needed 38 seconds to force an ippon (winning point) on Watanabe, who had been training in Japan prior to the games.
Watanabe was on the track of edging Cabana even as they went aggressive to start the match.
But Cabana landed a sweep that sent Watanabe down, setting up the finish.
Initially ruled as a waza-ari (throw in) which the opponent is thrown with control and accuracy), Cabana's deciding move was later upgraded to an ippon after a review. (PNA)
