The powerhouse nation of the sport dominated the competition with a tally of 14 medals including eight golds. The tournament being held in Prague (Czech Republic) was a celebration of the popularity of Karate at young ages in the continent.
Julieta Alvarez claimed the first title for Spain after defeating Mai Linh Bui of France (25.02 to 24.88) in Cadet Female Kata while Joao Vieira of Portugal claimed a tight victory over Juraj Muller of Slovakia (24.56 to 23.38) in Cadet Male Kata.
Spain’s dominance in the Kata categories continued in the Junior competition as Paola Garcia Lozano edged Chiara Manca of Belgium 25.74 to 25-14. The gold medal in Junior Kata Male went to Furkan Kaynar of Turkey who beat Damian Miklovics of Slovakia (25.2 to 24.12).
The third title for Spaniards in Kata came in the category of U21. Sabrina Savoy defeated Natacha Fernandes of Portugal 25.32 to 24.22 so to improve the bronze medal she won last year in Tampere (Finland). In U21 Kata Male, big favourite Enes Odzemir of Turkey confirmed the predictions and won his second U21 continental title following a convincing 26.52 to 25.66 victory over Alessio Ghinami of Italy.
KARATEKAS IN CADET CATEGORIES SHOW TREMENDOUS SKILLS
Turkey added one more gold in the Cadet categories. Buse Kilic won the crown in Cadet Female -54kg after beating Korina Klaric of Croatia 1-0.
The rest of the titles in Cadet Female Kumite went to Poland as Zuzanna Dopieralska beat Christina Triada Pappa of Greece 6-3 in -47kg, and to Ukraine after Dariia Bulai’s victory over Houda Taklit of France 1-0 in -47kg.
Belgium took the first crown in Cadet Kumite Male since Matt Rombeaux defeated Scotland’s Joe Gallagher 3-0 in -52kg. Cristian Gutu of Moldova beat Luka Pejic of Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in -57kg while Tarik Salkic of Bosnia and Herzegovina claimed a tight triumph by “Hantei” or decision (0-0) over Luciano Novo of Portugal in -63kg. Rahib Azim of Azerbaijan dominated the final of +70kg over Alexander Davies of Luxembourg 1-0.
The fourth title for Spaniards thus far was taken by Marcos Garcia-Gil who upset Robin Mateo Zuniga of Germany 4-1 in the final of Cadet Male Kumite -70kg.
Source: www.wkf.net
