Judo star Sasson lands “one of his best ever wins”

Israeli judo star Ori Sasson claimed one of the best wins of his career when he won silver at the 2016 World Judo Masters championships in Mexico.

Taking part in the final Rio 2016 qualification event, with Sasson already assured of his place in Rio, he beat Hungarian Barna Bor in his semi-final in five minutes, with a drop seoi-nage for a yuko.

However, up against Romanian Daniel Natea in the final, whom the Israeli had never lost to, Natea went ahead after just five seconds with a waza-ari from a harai-makikomi, before moving into the osaekomi for 15 seconds, with Sasson unable to escape a kesa-gatame hold.

Speaking afterwards, Sasson said: “It was one of the most significant achievements of my career so far and of course, I’m always to represent this country every single time.

“I’m proud to be part of a team of such quality, and with my team, including coach Oren Smadja, Gil Ofer and my personal trainers, with a clear mind can prepare them for the Summer Olympics in Rio.”