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The Philippines' Kiyomi Watanabe in action against Kazakhstan's Ekaterina Tokareva in the women's -78kg class in judo in the 2026 Asian Games, October 2, 2026 at the Aichi International Arena. POC Media
Filipino judokas faltered against tough opponents on Friday, losing their opening fights in the 2026 Asian Games at the Aichi International Arena.
Two-time Olympian Kiyomi Watanabe suffered an early exit after falling to Ekaterina Tokareva of Kazakhstan in the women's -78kgs round of 16 the Aichi International Arena.
Moving up to a heavier weight division, Watanabe engaged in a tight grip battle early on, with both athletes receiving a Shido penalty at the 0:46 mark.
But the Kazakh capitalized on an opening shortly after, executing a decisive throw to score an Ippon and advance to the quarterfinals.
Another medal hopeful in Chino Sy Tancontian suffered a similar fate, succumbing to Japan's Ryotaro Masuchi in the men's -100kg round of 16 action.
READ: Chino Sy trains in 'judo birthplace' Japan to level up for Asiad and beyond
Going up against a formidable Japanese rival, Sy was put on the defensive early after Masuchi registered a Yuko just 12 seconds into the bout.
The Filipino judoka continued to battle for grip and positioning, but the Japanese athlete secured back-to-back Waza-ari scores to seal the victory via Ippon in 2 minutes and one second.
Also out of contention is Eskelen Kedo, who bowed to the UAE's Magomedomar Magomedomarov via Ippon in the men's +100kg round of 16, ending the Filipino judokas' bid in the quadrennial games.