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Asian assertion

Japan's Inoue, China's Tang win judo gold

Japan's Kosei Inoue celebrates after defeating Nicolas Gill of Canada in the men's 100-kilogram judo final. AP

SYDNEY, Australia (CNNSI.com) - An overwhelming favorite, world champion Kosei Inoue of Japan didn't bow to the pressure.

He defeated Nicolas Gill of Canada on Thursday night with a powerful ippon to claim the gold in the 100-kilogram class of judo.

Yuri Stepkine of Russia and Stephane Traineau of France shared the bronze.

Tang Lin of China won the women's 78-kilogram, defeating Celine Lebrun of France. Emanuela Pierantozzi of Italy and Simona Marcela Richter of Romania shared the bronze.

Traineau, the three-time European champion, was a surprise medalist. He skipped the last European championships to prepare for the Sydney Games. Traineau, who is expected to retire following these Olympics, beat European champion Stepkine in the first round en route to his medal.

Tang also was an underdog victor, winning on a judge's decision after she and Lebrun were tied after four minutes.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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