(Photo WKF)
The final day of the 2026 Karate One Premier League Rome delivered top‑level competition with several new champions crowned together with seasoned campaigners. Grand Winners Grace Lau Mo Sheung, Yugo Kozaki, Kakeru Nishiyama, Elena Quirici were among the standout performances of the day.
Female Kata – Mo Sheung Grace Lau Dominates
In the Female Kata final, Grace Lau Mo Sheung of Hong Kong, China took a commanding 7‑0 victory over Maho Ono of Japan. Lau performed the Chatanyara Kushanku kata with precision, grace, and power, impressing both judges and fans alike. Already a World Champion and Grand Winner, she earned her second gold of the Karate One Premier League season, adding another victory to her classic rivalry against Ono.
Lau reflected on her win: “I am very happy that I won here. Ever since I saw the medals, which are very beautiful, I thought ‘I want the gold one’ so for me it is great that I took this medal. I worked hard to be the Grand Winner, and I set my mind to be the Grand Winner again.”
Men’s Kumite -60 kg – Akhmed Akhmedov Breaks Through
In the Men’s Kumite -60 kg, Akhmed Akhmedov of WKF‑1 displayed exceptional technique and tactical skill to defeat Hiromu Hashimoto of Japan 9‑2. It was Akhmedov’s first final in a Karate One Premier League event, but he competed like a seasoned champion as every strike was calculated, and his scoring abilities dominated the match from start to finish.
On his victory, Akhmedov said: “It is the first time that I have won a Premier League and that made me very happy.” His breakthrough performance could signal a rising star in the lighter male divisions.
Women’s Kumite -50 kg – Yorgelis Salazar Returns to the Top
Yorgelis Salazar of Venezuela won the Women’s Kumite -50 kg final with a 6‑3 victory over Cylia Ouikene of Algeria. The bout was highlighted by a spectacular Ippon from Salazar, demonstrating her skill and experience as a six-time Karate One Premier League winner.
This gold medal marks a remarkable comeback after a serious injury last year. Salazar reflected on her journey: “The fact that I am here, after all that I have went through and after all I have suffered to overcome the injury means that everything is possible.”
Men’s Kumite -67 kg – Yugo Kozaki Claims Gold
In the Men’s -67 kg final, Yugo Kozaki of Japan claimed gold after Adel Omara of Egypt could not compete due to an injury sustained in the semifinals. Kozaki, the current Grand Winner, won his first gold of the season and added to his record of consistent top performances, including last year’s Karate One Premier League in Paris.
“I am very happy with this gold. I am the Grand Winner now, but the next step is to become the world champion,” Kozaki said, showing his ambition and focus for the future.
Women’s Kumite -55 kg – Nejra Sipovic Causes a Local Upset
Nejra Sipovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina won the Women’s -55 kg final by defeating Italy’s Viola Lallo 3‑0. Sipovic, who had previously earned a silver in the Karate One Series A, was competing in her first Karate One Premier League final. She defeated local hopeful Lallo and dedicated her gold to those who supported her
“I want to dedicate this gold to my family, my parents, my coach, my team and all those who made it possible that I am here today.”
Men’s Kumite -75 kg – Heorhii Pitsul Wins Tight Battle
The Men’s -75 kg final was one of the closest matches of the day. Heorhii Pitsul of Ukraine and Quentin Mahauden of Belgium ended the bout tied 2‑2, but Pitsul took gold through ‘Senshuu,’ the first unopposed point. Pitsul, a two-time Karate One Series A winner, had been preparing for this moment, and his strategy paid off in his first Karate One Premier League final.
“I have imagined this moment for so many years. I imagined myself on top of the podium, and that moment finally arrived. For me, it is a big blessing to be here with this medal,” he said, visibly moved.
Male Kata – Kakeru Nishiyama Extends His Dynasty
Kakeru Nishiyama of Japan confirmed once again that he is the dominant force in male kata. He defeated Ariel Torres Gutierrez of the United States by 6–1 in the final.
The victory marks Nishiyama’s 14th consecutive gold medal, an extraordinary run that continues to define the category. Already the current Grand Winner, Nishiyama delivered another precise and powerful performance to extend his remarkable domination.
Female Kumite -61 Kg – Sarara Shimada Claims Gold
Sarara Shimada of Japan won the gold medal in the Female Kumite -61 kg category after defeating Assel Kanay of Kazakhstan 3–3 by Hantei, the judges’ decision.
The bout was balanced throughout, with both athletes scoring key points. In the end, the referees awarded the victory to Shimada. The win marks her fourth gold medal in the Premier League and improves on her bronze medal performance in Istanbul earlier in the season.
Male Kumite -84 Kg – Matteo Fiore Triumphs at Home
The loudest celebration of the day came in the Male Kumite -84 kg final as Matteo Fiore of Italy defeated Eduard Gasparian of WKF-1 9–8 in one of the most thrilling bouts of the tournament.
Both fighters exchanged points constantly in a fast and intense match. Fiore managed to take the decisive lead in the final moments to secure the victory. The gold medal is his first in the Karate One Premier League, after losing two finals in the past. The Italian athlete celebrated in front of a packed arena that supported him throughout the fight.
Fiore said: “To win at home is an incredible feeling. It was a beautiful moment, and I am happy that I had my friends and family in the stands to support me.”
Female Kumite -68 Kg – Elena Quirici Returns to the Top
Elena Quirici of Switzerland captured the gold medal in the Female Kumite -68 kg division with a 2–1 victory over Thalya Sombe of France, the current world champion.
Quirici controlled the match with smart tactics and strong defence. The victory gives the Swiss athlete her first title of the year, achieved in her first final of the season. Quirici is also the current Grand Winner of the category.
Quirici said: “I am very happy and I am very emotional because this is my first gold medal since my engagement so it is a very special moment for me.”
Male Kumite +84 Kg – Andjelo Kvesic Dominates
In the Male Kumite +84 kg category, Andjelo Kvesic of Croatia defeated Elhassan Mohamed of Egypt 5–1 to claim the gold medal.
Kvesic, the current European Championships runner-up, controlled the match with strong attacks and solid defence. The victory represents his second gold medal in the Karate One Premier League.
Kvesic said: “It is a proud moment for me, and I am very happy because this is only my second gold medal in Karate One Premier League. The first one was in Antalya in 2024 and now here in Rome. It is very special to win the medal here, in the city of the coliseum, the gladiators.”
Female Kumite +68 Kg – Sofya Berultseva Continues Her Winning Run
Sofya Berultseva of Kazakhstan won the gold medal in Female Kumite +68 kg after defeating Rochelle Walters of England 2–1.
The match was close and tactical, but Berultseva managed to secure the key point to take the victory. After winning gold in Istanbul, this is her second consecutive Karate One Premier League title, strengthening her bid to become the new Grand Winner of the category.
The Karate One Premier League travels to Leshan in China where the third event of the season will take place from April 10 to 12′
