Team France celebrate after winning the mixed team final of the judo competition against Japan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, July 31, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)
TOKYO, July 31 (Xinhua) -- France claimed a surprising 4-1 victory over hosts Japan in judo mixed team final at Tokyo Olympics on Saturday.
Judo mixed team is a newly-added event at Tokyo 2020 and applies a best-of-seven-set format. Japan has won all four world titles in the mixed team since this event was added to the World Championships in 2017.
The first round of the final saw Chizuru Arai of Japan lose to Clarisse Agbegnenou by an ippon in women's -70kg. Then Shoichiro Mukai was defeated by Axel Clerget in men's -90kg. Akira Sone bounced back by beating Romane Dicko in women's +70kg, but in men's +90kg, Aaron Wolf suffered a waza-ari by Teddy Riner in golden score. Sarah Leonie Cysique sealed victory for France in women's -57kg by beating Tsukasa Yoshida.
Germany and Israel shared bronze medals.
After the judo competition wrapped up on Saturday, Japan collected nine of 15 golds, two silvers and one bronze, topping the medal standings in the sport. France ranked second with two golds, three silvers and three bronzes. Kosovo placed third with two golds. Georgia and Czech Republic won one gold each. Enditem
