15 years after Marhinde Verkerk’s world title, the Netherlands has a brand new feminine judo world champion. Joanne van Lieshout convincingly wrote historical past in Abu Dhabi at this time.
Joanne gained 5 video games at this world championship, with out having to enter a golden rating even as soon as. It says sufficient in regards to the power of the two-time junior world champion, who on the younger age of 21 has already entered the worldwide senior podium for the second time. And this time even the best step.
After spectacular victories within the preliminary rounds, Joanne met the present world rating chief, the Canadian Beauchemin-Pinard, within the semi-finals. Within the earlier spherical she had crushed prime favourite and six-time world champion Clarisse Agbegnenou, however Joanne was no match. Simply earlier than the 4 minutes had elapsed, the Canadian was put in a headlock and Van Lieshout’s place within the remaining was a truth.
In that remaining, the Dutchwoman met an opponent she knew nicely. Poland’s Szymanska had already been defeated by Joanne 3 times earlier than, however had made a giant impression this event with a collection of arm locks, considered one of Van Lieshout’s foremost qualities. Within the remaining battle, Joanne rapidly took over the initiative after a considerably hesitant begin, and with thirty seconds left on the clock she managed to maneuver her Polish opponent to her aspect. That waza-ari turned out to be sufficient for a historic new spotlight in our sport: Joanne van Lieshout is WORLD JUDO CHAMPION.
