The women’s contest had some intrigue, with 8-time champ #MikiSudo fending off a surprise battle from first-timer #MayoiEbihara, 39-33, for belt #9.

A miscount by the unofficial in-progress scorers had us thinking that Mayoi was trading the lead with Miki throughout. However, next year could be very interesting indeed for both women.

Michelle Lesco, the 2021 winner with Sudo not competing due to pregnancy, was third.