New generation of athletes become World Champions in Female Kumite
2023-10-28
The new World champions in Female Kumite categories are Ayaka Saito of Japan, Irina Zaretska of Azerbaijan, Li Gong of China, Tuba Yakan of Turkiye, and Moldir Zhangbyrbay of Kazakhstan.
The 2023 World Karate Championships in Budapest (Hungary) crowned the new stars of the sport in Female Kumite in a thrilling fifth day of the competition.
In Female Kumite +68kg, Ayaka Saito of Japan defeated current champion Maria Torres of Spain in a one-sided final. The Japanese karateka dominated the bout since the early stages and despite Torres’ attempts to score, the former Grand Winner from Japan even increased the distance to end up winning the bout 6-0.
Therefore, Saito wins the World title in his first qualification for the final of the event. The Japanese athlete recovers the crown of the category for Japan since Ayumi Uekusa’s victory in 2016.
IRINA ZARETSKA WINS CLASH OF TITANS
Two of the most dominating karatekas of the women’s divisions clashed for the crown of Female Kumite -68kg. Irina Zaretska of Azerbaijan and Elena Quirici of Switzerland met in one of the highlights of the day.
The clash was a continuous exchange of points. When the bout went close to a tie, Zaretska scored a late “Yuko” or one-point technique to put the final 5-4 on the scoreboard. Defending champion Zaretska adds the back-to-back World titles to her silver at the Olympic Games and her continental crown.
LI GONG CLAIMS OUTSTANDING VICTORY
In a superb demonstration of kicking abilities, Li Gong of China claimed the title of Female Kumite -61kg. The Olympic Games bronze medallist took a convincing 6-1 victory over Fatma Naz Yenen of Turkiye.
Using her speedy kicks as her main weapon, Li Gong overpowered her opponent to win her first World title. In addition to her Olympic Games bronze medal, Li Gong has a continental bronze as the best result. Her victory is China’s second gold medal in the history of the sport.
TUBA YAKAN UPSETS OLYMPIC CHAMPION
Turkiye’s Tuba Yakan added one more gold for the successful Turkish delegation with her title in Female Kumite -55kg. The two-time continental champion from Turkiye defeated Olympic champion Ivet Goranova of Bulgaria by a convincing 8-1.
The Olympic titleholder was overshadowed by an inspired Turkish karateka who dominated the bout from beginning to end. It is the first time that Turkiye claim a World Championships gold medal in the category.
OLYMPIAN MOLDIR ZHANGBYRBAY WINS GOLD
The crown of Female Kumite -50kg was claimed by Olympian Moldir Zhangbyrbay of Kazakhstan who defeated Italy’s Erminia Perfetto.
The final clash was a tour de force between the two competitors who tried to find ways to score more points than the opponent. Zhangbyrbay managed to close the clash by a slim 6-5 to win her first World title.
Zhangbyrbay’s crown also represents a historic event in the sport as it is the first gold for Kazakhstan.
HUNGARIAN CELEBRATION IN FEMALE PARA-KARATE
Local fans had the chance to celebrate Olivia Kakosy’s victory in Intellectually Impaired Female K21. The Hungarian karateka defeated Lucia Sanchez with scores of 41.4 to 40.5.
The final of Intellectually Impaired Female K22 was an All-Egyptian affair with Nadin Youssef and Salma Alaaeldin Ebrahim clashing for gold. The title was claimed by defending titleholder Ebrahim who won the final with scores of 40.2 to 38.1.