Jordan’s Khalaf bows out in Rio

AMMAN — Jordan’s judo player Ibrahim Khalaf has gracefully bowed out of the Olympic Games after defeat to Chile’s Tom Briceno in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday, according to the Jordan Olympic Committee News Service.

The 30-year-old lost a tough contest at the Carioca Arena 2 to the South American champion who is ranked well above him in the world standings. Reaching the Olympic middleweight (-90kg) contest was a massive achievement in itself for Khalaf who despite being devastated to lose was gracious in defeat.

“I met a great opponent today but I am very disappointed to lose,” he said. “It has been a brilliant experience to be able to bring Jordan judo to Rio and I hope it will encourage more people to take an interest in the sport at home.”

Khalaf was always up against it alongside his bigger opponent and the decisive moment came at two minutes and 44 seconds into the contest when Briceno scored a “waza’ari” which is an almost clean throw that landed Khalaf on the floor. Another score came at three minutes and 35 seconds when the Chilean scored a “Yuko”. Khalaf also suffered three penalties during the five-minute bout.