Three Western Australian judoka represented Australia at the Taipei Asian Open on Saturday, 11 July 2026, gaining valuable experience against high-quality international opposition.
Jacob Read competed in the Senior Men’s −60kg division, Kohsei Toyoshima contested the Senior Men’s −73kg category and Alexander Vasilyev represented Australia at −81kg.
The Taipei Asian Open brought together 236 competitors representing 23 countries across two days of senior international competition. The men’s divisions included 17 competitors at −60kg, 25 at −73kg and 20 at −81kg. Official Taipei Asian Open event page.
Although the WA trio did not progress into the medal rounds, the final results of their opponents demonstrated the standard of competition they encountered in Taipei.
Read and Toyoshima were eliminated by the eventual champions of their respective categories, with Kim and Zhetkergen each remaining undefeated throughout the tournament.
Vasilyev’s opponent advanced to the quarterfinal and ultimately finished seventh in a strong −81kg division won by Korea’s Heewon Park.
Competing at a Senior Asian Open provided the WA athletes with valuable exposure to experienced international opponents and the opportunity to represent Australia at continental level.
Following the competition, Jacob, Kohsei and Alexander remained in Taipei to participate in a three-day international training camp, gaining further opportunities to train with athletes from across the region. The camp added another valuable development experience to the tour and allowed the WA trio to continue learning from high-level international opposition.
Congratulations to Jacob, Kohsei and Alexander on representing Western Australia and Australia in Taipei.
