(LEAD) (Asian Games) S. Korean taekwondo fighter Lee Ah-reum takes silver in women's 57kg

(ATTN: ADDS photo, details from 3rd para)
By Joo Kyung-don

JAKARTA, Aug. 21 (Yonhap) -- Taekwondo fighter Lee Ah-reum failed to defend her Asiad title on Tuesday.

Lee lost to Luo Zongshi of China, 6-5, in the women's taekwondo 57-kilogram "kyorugi" (sparring) final at 18th Asian Games to settle for South Korea's third taekwondo sparring silver at this year's Asian Games.

Lee and Luo were neck-and-neck going into the final. After ending the first round scoreless, Lee took the lead first by earning two points in the second round.

Luo made the score 4-2 after landing a kick to Lee's head, along with a penalty point. With just four seconds remaining, Lee leveled the score with a punch and a penalty point.

She then almost sealed the victory by executing a punch attack with two seconds left, but at the same time, Luo fought back with a body kick and earned two points for the victory.

At Jakarta Convention Center Plenary Hall, Lee, who is also the 2017 world champion, started her Asian Games campaign with a 17-8 win over Pham Thi Thu Hien of Vietnam in the round of 16. She then edged Kashish Malik of India 17-8 in the quarterfinals.

Lee also had a close match against Vipawan Siripornpermsak of Thailand in the semifinal. She trailed 10-7 with less than 30 seconds left, but landed two body kicks to get a thrilling 12-10 win.

kdon@yna.co.kr
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