JPN
The remaining eight first-round matches of the spring tradition "Cinderella Tournament 2026" were held at the Chunichi Hall in Aichi on the 7th, with Ami Sorei defeating the formidable Bea Priestley in the main event to advance to the second round (on the 8th at Korakuen Hall)
She seized control of the pace early on, suspending her opponent from the ropes and delivering 18 consecutive reverse horizontal chops. In the exchange on the apron, she narrowly avoided being thrown over the top rope. There was a moment when she was cornered by Bee's front neck lock, but she escaped that as well, and refused to back down in the elbow exchange. Finally, at 11 minutes and 28 seconds, she secured the three-count with her signature lightning-fast move
In her post-match interview, she exclaimed, "I've made it through my first Cinderella match!" She then thanked her opponent, Bea Priestley, saying, "Thank you, Bea Priestley, for being the perfect opponent for me right from the start!"
She added, "There's an opponent I want to fight on the opposite side of the bracket, but for now I'll focus on each challenge in front of me and give it my all to steadily climb the ladder towards the finals." The tournament concluded with a chorus of "Magnificent Ami! Retry & Fly!"
On this day, in addition to Sorei, Tomoka Inaba, Azusa Inaba, Saya Iida, Hinami, Mitsuyoshi Amasaki, Sayaka Kurei, and Rina also advanced to the next round. All 16 first-round matches were completed over the two days
Sorei's next opponent has been decided: Rinami. Sorei was the runner-up in the 2024 tournament, and Rinami was the runner-up in last year's tournament. "A fellow competitor who has seen the bitter disappointment of reaching the ceiling. I haven't forgotten that frustration either. Sorei Ami will advance next!" She is now on a straight path to achieving her long-cherished dream of winning her first championship