Montreal, November 28, 2009 – Sasha Mehmedovic of North York, Ont., won the bronze medal in men’s 66 kilos on Saturday at the judo Grand Prix in Qingdao, China.

 

After a first round bye, Mehmedovic defeated Fuguang Li of China by Ippon and Kui-Sun Yang of South Korea before losing by Ippon to Renwang Liu of China. In the final, Renwang Liu fell to Miyaragchaa Sanjaasuren of Mongolia.

 

‘’I am pleased with my bronze medal but not totally satisfied.  I really believe I could have reached the final,’’ said Mehmedovic.  "Liu got support from the fans but that didn’t bother me.  He tried to grab me but I was able to throw him to the mat and I tried to pin him.  I felt in control until he grabbed my legs and threw me for an Ippon.’’

 

Regarding the winning move by his opponent, Mehmedovic added the new international federation rules have different interpretations because he felt Liu’s move was illegal.

 

‘’I don’t think it should have counted because it wasn’t a counter attack.  But there is nothing I can do except comeback strong for my next two tournaments

 

In the same category, Michal Popiel of Montreal lost his opening bout to Chol Jun Hong of North Korea and was not ranked.

 

 

In men’s 73 kilos, Nicholas Tritton of Perth, Ont., was fifth after dropping his second bout by Ippon to Kiyoshi Uematsu of Spain.

 

Tritton had a first round bye then defeated by Ippon Zhiwei Jin of China.

 

Canadian entries for Sunday are Kalem Kachur in men’s 81 kilos and Marylise Lévesque in women’s 70 kilos.

 

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Written by Sportcom for Judo Canada