Asian Cadet Cup

Matthew Bata represented Team USA at the Asian Cadet Cup in Hong Kong, China.

In his first match, Bata beat Cheok Seng from Macau in a very evenly matched contest.  At this competition it was a bracket of 16, and repechage for last 8 so winning the first one was a key to stay in the competition. Second fight was a loss to Khorolsuren, the eventual winner from Mongolia, where physical maturity of the opponent was on full display. 

In repechage, Bata beat his opponent from Hong Kong which placed 2^nd in the Macau competition last week. It was a gritty and again evenly matched fight.  That set up a bronze medal fight with Jungbin, the Korean HS champion, with which Matthew trained last year in the Korean National Training center. Unfortunately one of them had to come out empty handed and it was Matthew who ended with a 5th place finish.

"Overall, it was a fantastic experience in his first IJF Cadet event and Matthew is already looking forward to competing in Perth for the Oceana Cup, in November," said Robert Bata.

Congratulations Matthew on your 5th place finish!