Paris Olympics: How Vinesh Phogat Stunned World No. 1 Yui Susaki in 10 seconds?

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In a stunning turn of events at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat delivered an unforgettable performance by defeating the reigning World No. 1 Yui Susaki of Japan in the last 10 seconds of the bout.

This victory came in the opening bout of the women's 50kg freestyle category, a division Phogat recently switched to after her junior, Antim Panghal, secured the Olympic quota for the 53kg category earlier this year.

Phogat's decision to drop to the 50kg category was strategic. Struggling to secure a spot in her usual 53kg category due to Panghal's rise, she opted for the 50kg division to ensure her participation in the Olympics. This move proved to be a masterstroke as she faced Susaki, a formidable opponent who had previously dominated the Tokyo 2020 Olympics without conceding a single point. Here are the Highlights.

• For 5:50 seconds, Phogat played defensively, leading to her losing two points due to passivity penalties. In wrestling, passivity is penalized with a point loss and a 30-second warning to switch to an aggressive stance.
• As the match neared its end, Phogat, trailing 0-2, executed a perfectly timed takedown, scoring two points in the last moment.
• The bout ended with a score of 2-2, but Phogat was awarded an additional point due to Susaki losing a challenge, resulting in a stunning 3-2 victory.
• The review was taken because Susaki was already losing the bout despite the scores being level as in case of a tie, the winner is declared on the basis of biggest points taken through single move and Vinesh's takedown point of two made her the winner.

The bout began with both wrestlers arriving on the mat with intense focus. From the outset, Susaki, known for her aggressive style, attempted to take control. However, Phogat's defensive prowess shone through, as she brilliantly evaded Susaki's initial attacks, ending the first half with a score of 0-1 in Susaki's favor due to a passivity penalty against Phogat.

Midway through the second half, Susaki gained another point for Phogat's passivity, putting the score at 0-2. With time running out, Phogat needed a breakthrough. In a dramatic turn of events, Phogat executed a perfectly timed takedown in the closing seconds of the bout, securing two points and leveling the score at 2-2. The bout went to a challenge by Susaki, which she lost, giving Phogat an additional point and sealing her victory at 3-2.

Vinesh Phogat Strategy Key Points

• Remain Defensive to Conserve Energy and Analyze Opponent: Phogat strategically chose to remain defensive throughout the majority of the bout, even if it meant conceding points through passivity. This allowed her to conserve energy and thoroughly analyze Susaki's attacking patterns.
• Respect Opponent's Attacking Prowess: Understanding the formidable attacking skills of Yui Susaki, Phogat did not rush into any moves. She maintained a cautious approach, avoiding unnecessary risks and waiting for the right moment to strike.
• Utilize the Surprise Factor: This bout marked the first time Phogat and Susaki faced each other. Phogat capitalized on the element of surprise, executing an unexpected and perfectly timed takedown in the closing seconds when Susaki was likely focused on defending her lead, catching her off guard and securing the victory.

This victory over Susaki, who had lost only three points in the entire Tokyo Olympics, sent shockwaves through the wrestling world. Phogat's tenacity and tactical acumen were on full display as she pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Olympic wrestling history.

Phogat's journey, however, is far from over. Later today, she will face former European Champion Oksana Livach in the quarterfinals at 4:20 PM IST. A win in this bout will significantly enhance her chances of securing a medal, making her a strong contender in the 50kg freestyle category.

Fans can hardly contain their excitement as they look forward to Phogat's next bout. Her stunning victory over Susaki has not only boosted her confidence but also ignited hopes for another Olympic medal for India in wrestling.