Fil-Japanese judoka Nakano ousted in Rio Olympics

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-Japanese Kodo Nakano bowed out of Rio contention after a swift defeat at the hands of Italian Matteo Marconcini in the men’s 81-kg judo in the Rio Olympics Tuesday night.

Nakano fell via an ippon by Maconcini at 1:19. The latter took control with just 20 seconds into the match.

Nakano, born to a Japanese dad and a Filipino mom, was a last-minute addition to the Filipino crew sent to see action in Rio de Janeiro for the Olympiad. He replaced an Iranian judoka, who is still recuperating from an injury.

Marconcini, who is coming back from a shoulder injury, is Italy’s two-time national champion. He placed 3rd in the recent Grand Slam in Baku, Azerbaijan. He faces  Joachim Bottieau from Belgium, who is waiting in the round of 32 through vie.

The 23-year-old Nakano was a silver medalist in the 2013 Southeast Asian Games held in Myanmar.

Six Filipino athletes are left in the Olympic Games. They are Jasmine Alkhaldi, Miguel Tabuena, Mary Joy Tabal, Eric Cray, Marestella Torres, and Kristie Alora.

Only weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz has secured a medal.