ABU GHAUSH WINS OPENING MATCH

Jordan’s Ahmad Abu Ghaush has won his opening match at the Olympic taekwondo -68kg competition after a thrilling contest against Egypt’s Ghorfan Ahmed in Carioca Arena 3.

Abu Ghaush, the youngest in the division at just 20, had beaten the Egyptian in their previous three meetings, and kept that streak going with a 9-1 victory over the 23-year-old.

“I am thrilled to have got off to a winning start,” said the Amman-based student. “I will focus on my next fight now which will be another tough opponent.”

He fought brilliantly against the far taller opponent and opened his account with a stunning head kick right on the first round buzzer to take a 3-0 lead. He continued his strong performance through the remaining two rounds to cruise through to victory.

That next fight will be against world champion Daehoon Lee at 10.15pm Jordan time after the Korean advanced when his opponent withdrew through injury at the end of round one.

Round One

Fantastic end to the round for Abu Ghaush with a head kick for three points in the last second. A brilliant manoeuvre to be 3-0 up.

Round Two

Another professional round from Abu Ghaush which saw him awarded just a point to be 4-0 up with a round to go.

Round Three

Composed and aggressive when required, Abu Ghaush is through after another dramatic head kick secures win.