Montreal, September 1, 2018 – Canadian judokas Marie Besson and Hanako Kuno stood out during the Judo Pan American Open in Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic, on Saturday.

Besson, in action in the -52 kg category, had a perfect day, winning her 3 fights.

The Montrealer won by ippon her only preliminary fight, against American Kristin El Idrissi. The Quebecoise then won against Puerto Rican Francine Echevarria in the semi-final before winning the final fight against American Alaine Abuan by ippon to win the gold medal.

“All my fights went really well. I had 3 fights, and I won them all under 2 minutes. What I’m most happy about today (Saturday) is to have won the final, because I really wanted to finish first. I’m really proud,” said Besson.

Kuno stood on the third step of the podium after winning against American Lauren De Smith in the bronze-medal fight in the -63 kg category.

Earlier today, in the preliminary round, it took her nearly six minutes to defeat Columbian Cindy Mera. The Albertan judoka then lost by ippon in the semi-final against Cameroonian Helene Wezeu Dombeu.

Fighting in the -57 kg category, Camélia Pitsilis won her first fight by ippon against American Shadi Ebrahim before being defeated by Dominican Ana Rosa, who also won by ippon. In repechage, she couldn’t defeat Cynthia Rahming, from the Bahamas, who won by ippon.

In -48 kg, Virginia Nemeth lost her first bout against Puerto Rican Paola Garcia by waza-ari. She then lost by ippon in repechage against American Anne Suzuki

Pitsilis and Nemeth both ranked in seventh place in their respective categories.

Hakin Chala (-60 kg) and Warren Seib (-73 kg) were eliminated in the preliminary round.

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Information:
Patrick Esparbès
Chief Operating Officer
(514) 668-6279
p.esparbes@judocanada.org

Written by Sportcom for Judo Canada
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