Kimberly Custodio wins gold in Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu World Championship

Kimberly Custodio (left) wins gold in the JJIF Jiu-Jitsu World Championship. –SCREENGRAB

MANILA, Philippines–Kimberly Anne Custodio clinched the gold medal in the 2022 JJIF Jiu-Jitsu World Championship in Abu Dhabi, UAE on Wednesday.

Custodio ruled the women’s -45 kilogram division, defeating Kacie Pechrada Tan of Thailand, 6-4, in the thrilling final.

Bursting into tears after wresting the gold, Custodio immediately went to her teammates cheering for her in the stands.

Custodio dominated Sakaew Tadaporn in the semifinal, 14-0, after bundling out hometown bet Hamdah Al Shkeili, 14-0, in the quarterfinal.

Tadaporn and Shkeili brought home the bronze medals.

Meanwhile, Philip Cristopher Alegre and Ashley Jeraine Baluyot failed to advance in the men’s -77kg and women’s -52kg divisions, respectively. Celest Flores-Colina

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