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Promising Karatekas crowned at Karate 1-Premier League in Hamburg

2016-09-25

Promising Karatekas crowned at Karate 1-Premier League in Hamburg

Young and upcoming Karatekas put a show of force in the Karate 1-Premier League in Hamburg, as the talented and aspiring new stars of the sport surprised in the memorable tournament being held this weekend in the German city. Consolidated Karate figures struggled to win gold in the thrilling and startling competition, while youngsters gave a clear warning sign ahead of the forthcoming World Championships.

Young and upcoming Karatekas put a show of force in the Karate 1-Premier League in Hamburg, as the talented and aspiring new stars of the sport surprised in the memorable tournament being held this weekend in the German city. Consolidated Karate figures struggled to win gold in the thrilling and startling competition, while youngsters gave a clear warning sign ahead of the forthcoming World Championships in Linz (Austria) from October 25-30.

Douglas Brose of Brazil was one of the few Karate Stars to confirm forecast as he prevailed the Male Kumite -60kg competition. The current World champion completed back-to-back victories after earning gold in the last Karate 1-Premier League event in Fortaleza thus confirming his condition of top favourite for the World Championships in Linz.

Stating clear domination in her category, Karate Star Giana Lotfy of Egypt claimed her third gold medal of the season after beating Javiera Gonzalez of Chile. The defending World champion demonstrated her supremacy in the Female Kumite -61 kg competition in an effective and relentless performance in Hamburg.

In an anticipation of one of the most spectacular duels of today's Karate, Damian Quintero of Spain and Antonio Diaz of Venezuela starred in a sensational quest to dominate the Kata competition. Just as it occurred in the Karate 1-Premier League in Salzburg, the two Karate Stars met in the final, and as it happened in the Austrian city, the title ended in the Pan American champion's hands in a split decision after two outstanding performances by the two Karate heroes.

Ryutaro Araga of Japan also claimed his prominence in the competition following his victory in the Male Kumite -84kg category. The Japanese star beat Mohamed El Kotby of Egypt in the final and wins his third gold medal in three appearances this season in Karate 1-Premier League competitions after his triumphs in Paris and Salzburg. 

Time to shine for rising Karatekas

In one of the most impressive upsets of the tournament, Emilie Thouy of France became one of the big names of the event as she was crowned winner of the Female Kumite -55kg category. The current World Championships silver medallist, who had previously defeated World champion Sara Cardin of Italy, beat favourite Syakilla Salni Jeffry Krishnan of Malaysia in a disputed final, so to win her first gold medal in Karate 1-Premier League competitions in over two years thus presenting her candidacy for the World Championships in Linz.

The thrilling Male Kumite -75kg category, continuing the shocking upsets of the first days of competition, finished with Japan's Ken Nishimura's victory. The young Karateka claimed his leading role in the event by winning his first gold in Karate 1-Premier League and confirmed his top form after defeating superstar Rafael Aghayev on Saturday.

In addition to Ken Nishimura's and Ryutaro Araga's triumphs, the Japanese delegation had more reasons to celebrate as Natsumi Kawamura also won gold in Female Kumite 68+kg. 

Viviana Botaro of Italy in Female Kata, Radwa Sayed of Egypt in Female Kumite -50kg, Irina Zaretska of Azerbaijan in Female Kumite -68kg, Magdy Hanafy of Egypt in Male Kumite -67kg and Asiman Gurbanli of Azerbaijan in Male Kumite 84+kg completed the list of gold medallist in Hamburg.

The Egyptian delegation finished on top of the medal table with a final tally of eight medals, followed by Japan also with eight awards, and by Italy with seven medals.

Click here for more information on the Karate 1-Premier League in Hamburg.