China wins women's 52kg title at Judo Grand Prix Qingdao

Hosts China claimed a gold medal at the Judo Grand Prix Qingdao 2012 on Saturday as Ma Yingnan won the women's 52kg category.

Ma, national champion in the category this year, beat arch rival Erika Miranda of Brazil in the final by judge's decision.

"I am happy with the title," said Ma. "It was a tough competition and my rival was quite strong. So I tried my best in every move."

Ma upset Belgium's Ilse Heylen in the semifinal by waza ari.

China also collected two bronzes in the women's 48kg and 57kg categories. Han Sa reached the semifinal of the 48kg category, but was upset by South Korean Chung Jung-Yeon, while in the 57kg category semifinal, Chinese Liu Yang was beaten by Brazil's Ketleyn Quadros.

"The judokas in the 52kg and 57kg are very strong," said Fu, head coach of the Chinese women's judo team. "But in other categories, we don't have any advantages."

Mongolia won three of the seven gold medals on offer Saturday as Sumiya Dorjsuren dominated the women's 57kg, Kherlen Ganbold won the men's 60kg and Tumurkhuleg Davaadorj claimed the men's 66kg title.

Belgium collected two titles as Amelie Rosseneu took the gold medal of the women's 48kg by beating South Korean Chung, and Dirk Vantichelt upset Rok Draksic of Slovenia to win the men's 73kg.

Japan pocketed one gold in the women's 63kg as Miki Tanaka won the fight against Tina Trstenjak of Slovenia with an ippon.

The Judo Grand Prix Qingdao 2012, running from Nov. 24-25, attracted over 300 athletes and coaches.