Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard (-63 kg) had a day that didn’t quite live up to her hopes and expectation Saturday, at the Budapest, Hungary Master Tournament. The Quebecer was limited to just two bouts on the tatami, and failed to reach the medal round in the Hungarian capital.

Beauchemin-Pinard’s day got off to a good start with victory in a hard-fought duel against Croatia’s Iva Oberan. The Montrealer came out on top after trailing early in the match.

“She scored against me early on, but I was able to come back and win. I’m happy with the way I behaved during the fight. I kept a cool head and it paid off,” said Beauchemin-Pinard.

However, things became tougher for Beauchemin-Pinard in the next round, when she met Czech judoka Renata Zachova. The match ended after four minutes of regulation time, when Zachova scored a point with a waza-ari. The defeat brought Beauchemin-Pinard’s day’s to an end.

“I got scored against early on in that second fight. I knew what I had to do to get back on track, but I just couldn’t do it. I tried really hard, but my opponent’s style was super defensive, and, she didn’t get a non-combativity penalty. I’m a little disappointed with the result and the way the bout ended up,” she added.

“In general, I feel like I fought well, except for the two sequences where I fell. I felt good and my body was keeping up, I had rhythm and momentum, but the results just didn’t come, so it’s a bit disappointing.”

Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard will now enjoy several weeks away from competition to rest and train in preparation for the upcoming Olympic year, which begins shortly. She assures judo fans that she intends to return to the proverbial drawing board, so she can be at the top of her game for the critical next season.

“I want to work on my patience, I need to be more passive at the start of a bout. I mustn’t overdo it. I’m going to work on my strategies, and the weeks at home coming up will do me good in this long process that’s only just beginning,” she sagely concluded.

Two other Canadians were in action on the tatami in Budapest on Saturday. François Gauthier-Drapeau was defeated in his first duel in the Under-81 kg category by Dutchman Frank De Wit after nearly 7 minutes of combat.

Arthur Margelidon (-73 kg) benefited from a first-round bye before falling prey to Moldovia’s Petru Pelivan; the latter went on to win a bronze medal.

Looking for more judo excitement? Tune in tomorrow, Sunday, for the final day of activity at the Hungary Masters Tournament, where Canadians Kyle Reyes and Shady ElNahas will be in action in the Under-100 kg category.