Representatives of Chile were the big winners on day 2 of the PKF Senior Championships since they finished the day with three gold medals.

THREE TITLES FOR CHILE

In Male Kumite -60kg, Enrique Villalon of Chile caused one of the big upsets of the day as he won the continental title in his first international final. The newcomer defeated Maximiliano Larrosa of Uruguay 6-2.

The second crown of the day for Chile came in Male Kumite -75kg. The category had an All-Chilean final with two contenders of the South American powerhouse nation fighting for gold. The title was claimed by Matias Rodriguez who won his second continental gold medal after edging teammate Joaquin Gonzalez 4-4.

The Chilean delegation wrapped up their gold medal count with Valentina Toro’s impressive performance in Female Kumite -55kg. The defending continental champion won back-to-back titles in an outstanding demonstration of abilities (8-2 over Canada’s Hana Furumoto-Deshaies).

SURPRISES IN COSTA RICA

Another first-time finalist surprised in Female Kumite -50kg. Yasmina Lahyanssa of Canada won his first continental crown following a 6-4 victory over Sofia Cardenas of Colombia.

Also a newcomer, Pamela Rodriguez of the Dominican Republic inaugurated her gold medal count with his triumph in Female Kumite +68kg. The current continental bronze medallist reached the top of the podium after edging Valeria Echever of Ecuador 6-5.

In Female Kumite -61kg, the crown was claimed by Isadora Fernades of Brazil. The Brazilian karateka defeated Laura Diaz of Argentina in the final 2-2.

The competition concludes Sunday with the Para-Karate and Team categories.  

2023 PKF SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

(Pictures: Christian Cordero Salazar)