Quentin Mahauden
The 2026 Karate One Premier League Rabat began with excitement as athletes clashed for places in the finals while the race for the Grand Winner titles reached its decisive stage. As the final tournament of the season, the opening day in Morocco delivered key results, emotional moments and the confirmation of several season champions.
Yorgelis Salazar of Venezuela, Mo Sheung Grace Lau of Hong Kong China, Nejra Sipovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Quentin Mahauden of Belgium were all confirmed as the new Grand Winners in their categories.
Grace Lau Secures Grand Winner Crown Again in Female Kata
The Female Kata final will feature Maho Ono of Japan against Grace Lau Mo Sheung of Hong Kong China. Ono booked her place in the title bout with a dominant 7-0 victory over Terryana D’Onofrio of Italy, while Lau defeated Paola Garcia Lozano of Spain by the same score.
The result confirmed Grace Lau as Grand Winner for a second consecutive year after another outstanding campaign.
Aly Zyad Elgharib and Christian Sabatino Reach -60kg Final
Aly Zyad Elgharib of Egypt advanced to the Male Kumite -60kg final after defeating Danilo Greco of Italy 5-0. In the other semifinal, Christian Sabatino of Italy overcame Ahmed Haddadi of Morocco 8-3.
The Grand Winner title remains undecided and will be settled on Sunday between Sabatino and current standings leader Hiromu Hashimoto.
Yorgelis Salazar Reclaims Grand Winner Title in -50kg
The Female Kumite -50kg final will pit Aika Okazaki of Japan against Yorgelis Salazar of Venezuela. Okazaki edged Maya Schaerer of Switzerland 2-1, while Salazar advanced after a scoreless contest against Reem Ahmed Salama of Egypt that was decided in her favour by “Hantei” or decision.
Salazar’s strong season was rewarded with the Grand Winner award, her third career title.
Ghaith Afeef and Oubaya Said Advance in -67kg
Jordan’s Ghaith Afeef reached the Male Kumite -67kg final after prevailing over Luca Maresca of Italy in a 5-5 contest. Home favourite Oubaya Said delighted the Moroccan crowd by defeating Iurik Ogannisian of WKF-1 by 3-1.
The Grand Winner race remains open, with Ogannisian and Maresca set to fight for the title. As both athletes will compete for bronze, the outcome of those matches will determine the season champion.
Jennifer Warling and Rina Kodo Earn Final Spots in -55kg While Nejra Sipovic Claims Grand Winner Crown
Jennifer Warling of Luxembourg secured her place in the Female Kumite -55kg final with a narrow 1-0 victory over Airi Shima of Japan. Rina Kodo of Japan joined her in the final after advancing past Chaimae Elhayti of Morocco on “Senshuu” or first unopposed point following a 3-3 draw.
The season title was mathematically secured by Nejra Sipovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who claimed her first Grand Winner award after an impressive year.
Ernest Sharafutdinov and Valiko Poniava Set Up -75kg Final
The Male Kumite -75kg final will see Ernest Sharafutdinov of WKF-1 face Valiko Poniava of Georgia. Sharafutdinov defeated Ali Elsawy of Egypt 5-1, while Poniava edged Andrii Zaplitnyi of Ukraine 2-1.
The category also produced one of the key moments of the day as Quentin Mahauden of Belgium was confirmed as the new Grand Winner. The Belgian star recovered the title he last won in 2023, marking his second Grand Winner award in the Karate One Premier League.
The competition continues later today with the eliminations of the rest of the categories at stake and the rest of the Grand Winners to be confirmed.
