Multisport events
New Caledonia dominate day 1 of Karate at Pacific Games
2023-11-24
Minh Vu Duck Dack, Angelique Mui Men Mondoloni, and Alan Fabian Kerhoze from New Caledonia were among the big winners of the opening day of the Karate competition at the 2023 Pacific Games. In the return of Karate to the sports programme of the multisports event being held in Honiara (Solomon Islands), the discipline showcased its values and sporting spirit.
The delegation from New Caledonia ruled day 1 of Karate at the Pacific Games. Angelique Mui Men Mondoloni opened the gold medal count for New Caledonia with the gold in Female Kata after defeating Jillian Kemp of Nauru.
Teammate Minh Vu Duck Dack confirmed the predictions and claimed gold in Male Kata following a convincing victory over Pas Kancho Kemp of Nauru.
The Pacific nation increased the gold medal count with the title in Female Kumite -55kg by Lesly Micheline Martin while Lara Rosita La Mestre, also from New Caledonia prevailed in Female Kumite -61kg after beating Tahiti’s Kenly Cavanie.
In Male Kumite divisions, the Pacific powerhouse nation also dominated the competition. Kurth Andre Evlakhoff took the title in Male Kumite -60kg over Fiji’s Sandip Pala while Alan Fabian Kerhoze beat Jahsa Zee Peo of Nauru prevailed in Male Kumite -67kg.
Brandon Francois Rambans took another title for New Calendonia in Male Kumite +84kg, and Philippe Claude Annonier increased the list of honours for the country with the triumph in Male Kumite -75kg over Solomon Islands’ Joe Kwasui. The last gold for New Calendonia was taken by Mathieu Constant Annonier over Fiji’s Manasa Naqelevuki.
The host nation also celebrated golds on day 1 as Nancy Marle of the Solomon Islands prevailed in Female Kumite -68kg. The other category not claimed by New Caledonia was taken by Jillian Kemp of Nauru, who prevailed in Female Kumite +68kg after edging Romina Malina Rambans of New Caledonia.
The second day of action from Honiara will see the divisions of Male and Female Team Kata, Male and Female Kumite Open, and Male and Female Team Kumite taking the stage.
The Pacific Games are the most important multi-sport event in Oceania. The 2023 edition takes place in Honiara (Solomon Islands) from November 19 to December 2, with 24 disciplines included in the sports programme.
(Picture: Pacific Games News Service)