Maxemillion Kassman misses out on bronze fight

Papua New Guinea taekwondo fighter Maxemillion Kassman has missed out on advancing to the bronze medal fight at the Rio Olympics.

Kassman went up against world’s number one Jaouad Aachab of Belgium in the men’s -68kg round 16 last night at 11.40pm PNG time.

The 18-year-old fought strategically but lost to the Belgium fighter 12-1 after 3 rounds.

Despite the loss, he was hoping to advance to a repecharge fight for bronze following the outcome of the fight between Aachab and Russia’s Alexey Denisenko.

Denisenko defeated Achab 6-1 in the semi-finals, which means Max won’t advance to a repecharge fight for bronze.

PNG Taekwondo from Rio said they now have set their sights on Tokyo 2020 for Max.

Samantha Kassman will compete in the women’s +67kg category on Saturday, August 20.

She is the last athlete for PNG that will be competing at the Rio Games. All the other seven athletes have competed, including Ryan Pini, Toea Wisil, Morea Baru, Thadius Katua, Theo Piniau and Raymond Ovinou.

Picture courtesy of PNG Olympic Committee

Author: 
Quintina Naime