Japanese rookie Haruka Kawabata delivers cadet gold

Little-known Japanese tyro Kawabata Haruka of Japan ensured that Japan emerged victorious on the first day with a high-scoring, high-flying performance on Wednesday. Bielsko Cadet European Cup bronze medallist Kawabata, who had only fought outside of her homeland once before today, triumphed against 15-year-old ippon-seoi-nage specialist Kim Jong Hung (PRK) by way of hansoku-make as the latter was reprimanded for a waki-gatame.

In the first semi-final Worlds debutant Carlotta Avanzato (ITA) lost out to Kawabata who, while being known for her thunderous sode-tsurikomi-goshi, showcased her ashi-waza on this occasion as she scored a waza-ari from a ouchi-gari after 90 seconds of golden score for a place in the gold medal contest. In the second semi-final Kim Jong Hung (PRK) prevailed against Cadet Pan American Championships silver medallist Amanda Arraes (BRA) who was penalised after 75 seconds of added time to move down to the bronze medal contest.

The first bronze medal was clinched by Arraes when Cadet European Championships bronze medallist Liza Gateau (FRA) was disqualified for a third shido. The Brazilian rushed off the mat to celebrate with her coach after being officially awarded the contest by the referee.

The second bronze medal was won by Avanzato who impressively defeated 15-year-old Cadet European Cup winner Mariam Amkhadova (RUS) by ippon in golden score. Italy always unveil some exceptional talent at the cadet and junior level year-after-year and thanks to Avanzato made an immediate impact on day one in Chile