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Two S. Korean judokas knocked out early

August 8, 2016

RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 8 (Yonhap) — Two South Korean judokas in action on Monday at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics suffered early elimination.

An Chang-rim, the world No. 1 in the men’s 73kg, lost in the round of 16 to Dirk van Tichelt of Belgium by waza-ari (half a point).

An, regarded as a gold medal favorite here, had been 2-0 against the 18th-ranked van Tichelt before Monday’s loss.

South Korea's An Chang-rim (L) battles Dirk van Tichelt of Belgium in the round of 16 contest in the men's -73kg judo at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics on Aug. 8, 2016.

South Korea’s An Chang-rim (L) battles Dirk van Tichelt of Belgium in the round of 16 contest in the men’s -73kg judo at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics on Aug. 8, 2016.

The Belgian picked up his half point 2:47 into the taut contest, and held his ground for the narrow victory.

In the women’s competition, Kim Jan-di also lost in the round of 16 in the 57kg, falling to Rafaela Silva of Brazil.

Kim, the world. No. 2, fell behind midway through the contest, and the 11th-ranked Brazilian, with the partisan crowd at Carioca Arena 2 behind her, hung on to advance to the quarterfinals.

After three days of judo, South Korea has earned two silver medals — Jeong Bo-kyeong in the women’s -48kg and An Ba-ul in the men’s -66kg.

An Chang-rim and Kim Jan-di both declined to comment on their performance.

South Korea's Kim Jan-di reacts after losing to Rafaela Silva of Brazil in the round of 16 in the women's -57kg judo at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics on Aug. 8, 2016.

South Korea’s Kim Jan-di reacts after losing to Rafaela Silva of Brazil in the round of 16 in the women’s -57kg judo at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics on Aug. 8, 2016.