Yang Xiuli [Xinhua]

According to judo's rule, if there is still a tie after overtime competition, a panel of three, one referee and two judges, will make a verdict based on the two players' performances.

A technical official with the competition Li Yuehua explained that the referees made the decision because Yang had made more attacks.

"We have met in previous competitions and I think she is a world-class judoka," Yang said.

"All my five opponents are very good athletes, I want to give my appreciation to them since without them I would not make progress," Yang, 24, said. "I believe the referees have made a fair verdict and I have the confidence to win throughout the duel."

"The overtime of the final didn't bother me since I used to train for playing six to eight games in a row," the Chinese judoka who was injured in eyepit today said, admitting that the injury did affect her performance.

Jeong Gyeong Mi from South Korea ipponed Brazilian Edinanci Silva to gain a bronze medal, despite that she once lost her contact lens in the competition.

"I am so happy to get a medal," Jeong said after winning South Korea's first women's judo medal in eight years. "I think our confidence is not enough... I hope Kim Nayoung could win the gold tomorrow."

Stephanie Possamai of France won the other bronze medal by defeating Spanish Esther San Miguel.

(Xinhua News Agency August 14, 2008)