Abe Shines in Return to Japanese Judo, Eyes World Championship Berth
FUKUOKA, Japan – Olympic judo star Uta Abe marked a triumphant return to competition on Japanese soil, securing a victory in her first match at the All-Japan Selected Weight Class Championships on April 5. The competition serves as a crucial selection event for the upcoming World Championships in Budapest.
Dominant Win Secures Semifinal Spot
Abe, 24, representing Park24, defeated Ayaren Ooi, a high schooler, by a comfortable margin to advance to the semifinals of the 52kg division.
A swift Osoto-gake (Large Outer Hook) secured a Waza-ari (half point) just 16 seconds into the bout. Later, an Osoto-gari (Large Outer Reap) added a Yu-ko to Abe’s score, a score which has been reinstated in domestic competitions this season. She then maintained her lead to win the match.
Redemption on the World Stage
Abe is steadfast to reclaim her position as the world’s best after a disappointing showing at the Paris Olympics last year. Despite entering as a favorite to repeat as champion, she suffered an unexpected defeat in the second round, a loss that clearly impacted her deeply.
She signaled her return to form with a dominant gold-medal performance at the Grand Slam Baku in February, winning all of her matches by ippon.
Focused on the Future
Abe has set her sights firmly on the World Championships. Reflecting on the previous season, where she felt she “couldn’t achieve satisfactory results,” she is now driven by a renewed determination. “I definitely want to become the world’s best again,” she stated, eager to demonstrate a stronger version of herself.
World Championship Selection Looms
The All-Japan Selected Weight Class Championships holds significant weight as a selection event for the World championships, scheduled for Budapest in June. The final team selection will be determined by the All-Japan judo Federation’s強化委員会 (Strengthening Committee) following the conclusion of the tournament.
Abe Shines in Return to Japanese Judo: Q&A
Get the inside scoop on Uta Abe’s comeback and her quest for World Championship glory!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Uta Abe?
Uta Abe is a renowned Japanese judoka (judo athlete) who previously competed at the Olympics.She’s aiming to reclaim her spot as the world’s best in the 52kg weight class.
What is the All-Japan Selected Weight Class Championships?
It’s a crucial tournament in Japan that serves as a selection event for the World Championships.Winning here substantially boosts a judoka’s chances of competing at the World Championships.
How did Abe perform in her first match?
Abe had a dominant win,defeating Ayaren Ooi in the semifinals.She secured a Waza-ari early on, followed by a Yu-ko, showcasing her skills.
What are Waza-ari and Yu-ko in Judo?
They are scores awarded in judo matches. Waza-ari is equivalent to half a point, while Yu-ko is a smaller score. these scores have been reinstated in some domestic competitions.
What happened at the Paris Olympics?
Abe, despite being a favorite, suffered an unexpected defeat in the second round, a setback she is now determined to overcome.
What’s Abe’s current form like?
She demonstrated her return to top form by winning gold at the Grand Slam Baku in February, with all her matches ending in ippon (a full point victory!).
What are Abe’s goals?
Abe is focused on the World Championships in Budapest and is determined to become the world’s best judoka again, fueled by a “renewed determination.”
When will the World Championship team be announced?
The final team selection for the World Championships will be determined by the All-Japan Judo Federation’s Strengthening Committee after the All-Japan Selected Weight Class Championships conclude.
Engaging Judo Trivia!
Did you know that the term “Judo” translates to “the gentle way”? Despite its name, Judo is a physically demanding sport requiring immense strength, skill and mental fortitude.
Stay tuned to see if Uta Abe secures her spot and triumphs at the World Championships!
