Philippines’ Rena Furukawa (L) competes against Myanmar’s Chu Myat Now Wai (R) in their women’s -57kg judo final event during the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Phnom Penh on May 14, 2023. (Photo by MOHD RASFAN / AFP)
PHNOM PENH—Rena Furukawa asserted herself on the mat by beating Myanmar’s Chu Myat Noe Wai via ippon in the -57kg division of women’s judo on Sunday at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.
The Filipino-Japanese grappler was in control right from the start and dominated Wai throughout for the country’s first gold medal in the sport.
Furukawa reached the finals after toppling Vietnam’s Le Ngoc Diem Phuong in their semifinal clash.
“Very happy to win a second gold. I trained hard and expected it,” said the two-time SEA Games champion.
Shugen Nakano, however, settled for second place in the men’s -66kg class this time after going 3-1 in the round robin.
Indonesia’s Dewa Kadek Putra, who beat Nakano, won the gold.
Daryl Mercado salvaged bronze in the -55kg after beating Cambodia’s Phallay Phin in the repechage.