Watanabe cinch for 2nd Olympic stint

MANILA, Philippines — Good as in.

Philippine Judo Federation secretary-general Dave Carter said Kiyomi Watanabe is virtually assured of a berth in the Paris Olympics set next month as a recipient of one of two continental quotas allotted for Asia.

“Kiyomi is good as in but the official announcement will come from the IFJ (International Judo Federation),” said Carter.

The four-time Southeast Asian Games gold winner is currently ranked No. 92 in the women’s -63-kilogram Olympic qualifying ratings where the top 17 automatically qualify to the Paris Games.

Although the Fil-Japanese judoka ranks far from the magic circle, she stands a good chance at an Olympic berth since only one bet per country can make the Olympic cut per weight category and gender.

Also, 10 quota places for each gender for Asia will be given in each weight division. Watanabe can gain entry from this.

Carter said Watanabe is scheduled to fly to the French capital on July 22, or five days before the judo event, which is slated July 27 to Aug. 3.

It will be the second Olympics for Watanabe after making the cut in Tokyo three years ago.

“Kiyomi is training hard and will proudly represent the country,” said Carter.