Japan women capture world judo team title

The Japan women's judo team claimed victory in the final over France in dominant fashion, but their male counterparts were left to rue a lackluster fifth place performance at the Judo World Team Championships on Sunday.

Celebration time: The Japan women's judo team basks in the glow of its team title at the Judo World Team Championships on Sunday. KYODO PHOTO

The Japanese female judoka steamrolled in the eight-team competition, brutalizing Germany 5-0 before booking a spot in the final with a 6-0 walloping of Algeria in the semis en route to a 5-1 win over France at Tokyo Budokan.

Ayumi Tanimoto, winner of the gold medal in the women's 63-kg category at the Beijing Olympics, settled for a draw in the final, while Olympic bronze medalist Misato Nakamura (52 kg) as well as Emi Yamagishi (48 kg) scored ippon victories.

The Japanese men's team, in stark contrast, fell 3-2 in a close battle against Brazil in the first round, with reigning open category world champion Yasuyuki Muneta losing his match on points at over 100 kg.

Appearing to rebound by beating South Korea 5-2 in the first round of repechage, the Japanese men hit another wall against Russia in a 4-3 defeat in a playoff for third place. Georgia claimed the title.

Satoshi Ishii, who won gold at over 100 kg in Beijing, cheered his team on from the sideline but did not compete, citing a groin injury.