The Female Kumite competition on day 2 of Karate at the 2023 World Combat Games had Konstantina Chrysopoulou, Elina Sieliemienieva and Milena Jovanovic as the stars of the event. 

Konstantina Chrysopoulou of Greece used her favourite status to become the champion of Female Kumite -61kg. The Greek karateka defeated Khadidja Ghelam of Algeria in the final of the category 8-3.

With only 15 seconds on the clock, Konstantina Chrysopoulou scored her first point through a “Yuko” or one-point technique. Khadidja Ghelam tied the match 1-1 but Chrysopoulou regained the advantage, first with an “Ippon” or three-point technique and then another “Yuko”. The Algerian karateka tried to bounce back with two late “Yuko”, but the Greek up-and-coming star reacted with an outstanding “Ippon” by “Mawashi-geri” or roundhouse kick, to finish the match 8-3.

GOLD FOR FAVOURITE ELINA SIELIEMIENIEVA

The division of Female Kumite -68kg also had the main favourite reaching the top of the podium. Elina Sieliemienieva of Ukraine confirmed her ascent to Karate’s elite as she added the title of the World Combat Games to her long list of honours. The Ukrainian karateka beat Wissal Ezzar of Tunisia in the final 2-1.

Frontrunner Elina Sieliemienieva connected a “Yuko” with one minute on the clock to go, and twenty seconds later, the Ukrainian karateka increased the advantage with another “Yuko” (2-0).  Wissal Ezzar recovered some distance with a late “Yuko”, but Sieliemienieva maintained the slim lead to win the bout 2-1.

MILENA JOVANOVIC TAKES CROWN IN LAST SECOND

In Female Kumite +68kg, the title was claimed by Milena Jovanovic of Montenegro. The 2022 U21 World Championships bronze medallist defeated Maroua Eddarhri of Morocco by a slim 1-0.

It was a highly technical final bout, with the two finalists struggling to score. The clash went scoreless until the last seconds when Jovanovic’s corner requested a video review with 0.01 on the clock. The video review was approved and Jovanovic got a point that was worth a gold medal 1-0.

Follow the updates on the WKF social media channels. Alternatively, you can watch the event LIVE HERE.

All the results can be followed in real-time on the official website HERE.

(Pictures: @worldcombatgames_sportaccord)

2023 WORLD COMBAT GAMES