Ochoa gives Team Philippines 2nd gold in jiu-jitsu worlds

MANILA, Philippines – Filipina Jiu jiujiteira Meggie Ochoa became a two-time world champion on Thursday after she ruled women's adult -48kg category at the 2022 JJIF World Jiu-Jitsu Championships in the United Arab Emirates.

Ochoa, who became the country's first-ever world champion in the sport back in 2018, added another gold to her collection when she beat Canada's Vicky Hoang Ni Ni in the final, 2-0.

She dominated all her opponents en route to the gold, including a 22-0 demolition of Palestine's Abdulkareem Balqees in the semifinal.

Ochoa capped off a two-gold haul for Team Philippines as it finished fourth overall in the standings despite sending a lean contingent of six athletes.

Kimberly Anne Custodio won the country's first gold in this year's edition when she edged Thailand's Pechrada Kacie Tan, 6-4, in the women's adult -45kg category earlier this week.

Custodio and Ochoa helped the Philippines finish just behind hosts UAE, Canada, and Germany in the final rankings of the adult jiu-jitsu category.

A total of 23 countries hauled medals in the event.