Spain dominate in Kata as France and Russia prevail in Kumite at #Karate1Pamplona

The 2022 Karate 1-Series A Pamplona concluded today with a celebration of the greatness of Karate and with Spain, France, and Russia topping the medal table.

The Spanish delegation won two gold medals today, both of them in Kata. Gema Morales opened the gold medal count for the hosts with her victory in Female Kata. The Spanish karateka who has won medals in international tournaments in both Kata and Kumite defeated Nicole Mota of Brazil with a score of 25.34 to 25.26.

Spain could not complete the victories in Individual Kata as the gold medal in Male Kata went to Ryuji Moto of Japan. The number 65 in the World Ranking upset Spain’s Raul Martin with a score of 26.52 to 25.72.

The title in Female Team Kata went to the organising country as the final of the category was an All-Spain affair. In Male Team Kata, Spaniards were overpowered by Kuwait.

EXPERIENCED KARATEKAS PREVAIL IN PAMPLONA

Top karatekas used the experience in their favour to win gold in Pamplona. Two-time continental champion Valeria Kumizaki of Brazil claimed the title in Female Kumite -50kg after defeating France’s Tiphaine Bonnarde 4-0.

Meanwhile, two-time European champion Elena Quirici of Switzerland was the winner of Female Kumite -61kg after edging Spain’s Carlota Fernandez by “Hantei” or decision (0-0).

In Female Kumite -68kg, the crown went to World Championships bronze medallist Lynn Snel of The Netherlands who defeated Fabienne Kaufmann of Switzerland 7-4.

PROMISING KARATEKAS LEAVING MARK

Pamplona gave up-and-coming karatekas the opportunity to leave their mark. Junior continental champion Mia Bitsch of Germany won her first senior title after shocking Olympian Bettina Plank of Austria in the final of Female Kumite -55kg (1-0) in one of the biggest upsets of the day.

Meanwhile, in Male Kumite -60kg the triumph was for Danilo Greco of Italy who defeated Aymane Takzima of Ukraine by 5-3.

Former Junior World Championships medallist Ernest Sharafutdinov of Russia celebrated his success in the WKF World Ranking Challenge with the crown in Male Kumite -67kg. The Russian karateka beat Spain’s Samy Ennkhaili by 7-3.

France went home with two gold medals as well. Kilian Cizo who the title in Male Kumite -75kg after defeating Italy’s Ahmed El Sharaby (3-3) while Dany Makamata prevailed in Male Kumite -84kg following a triumph over Italy’s Andrea Minardi (2-2).

The list of gold medallists in Pamplona is completed with Tatiana Zyabkina of Russia who edged Niamh Junner of Scotland in the final of Female Kumite +68kg with a victory by “Hantei” or decision (0-0), and Ondrej Bosak of the Czech Republic who beat France’s Salim Bendiab in the final of Male Kumite +84kg (5-3).

The Karate 1-Series A travels now to Cairo (Egypt) where the second event of the season will take place from June 10 to 12.

CLICK HERE to go to the micro-site of Karate 1-Series A Pamplona.

(Pictures: @ JM Rodriguez / RFEK)

kaynak:https://www.wkf.net/news-center-new/spain-dominate-in-kata-as-france-and-russia-prevail-in-kumite-at-karate1pamplona/1830