(Photo WKF)
The second day of action at the 2026 Karate One Premier League in Rome delivered excitement as well as upsets as exponents booked their places in the final.
Male Kata – Ariel Torres Gutierrez vs Grand Winner Kakeru Nishiyama
Ariel Torres Gutierrez from the United States caused one of the biggest shocks of the day. He defeated Italy’s Alessio Ghinami 6-1 in the semifinals. Ghinami, the current World Championships runner-up and local star, couldn’t find his way to the final on home soil.
In the other semifinal, Kakeru Nishiyama of Japan beat Kotaro Ohata 6-1. Nishiyama, the reigning Grand Winner and World Champion, aims for an incredible 13th consecutive gold medal in Karate One events.
Female Kumite -61 kg – Sarara Shimada vs Grand Winner Assel Kanayu
Japan’s Sarara Shimada advanced to the final after a narrow 6-5 win over Emina Sipovic from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Shimada looks to claim her fourth Karate One Premier League gold.
In the other semifinal, Kazakhstan’s Assel Kanay defeated Wafa Mahjoub of Tunisia 3-2. Kanay, the current Grand Winner, will face Shimada in a tense battle for the title.
Male Kumite -84 kg – Eduard Gasparian vs Matteo Fiore
Eduard Gasparian of WKF-1 powered past Rikito Shimada of Japan 9-5. Gasparian’s strong attacks and quick counter-strikes secured his spot in the final. Matteo Fiore of Italy won his semifinal 3-0 against Djordje Salapura of Serbia. Fiore is a two-time silver medallist in the Premier League but has yet to claim gold.
The final will pit Gasparian’s explosive style against Fiore’s determination on home turf.
Female Kumite -68 kg – Thalya Sombe vs Grand Winner Elena Quirici
France’s Thalya Sombe caused one of the day’s biggest upsets, defeating Azerbaijan’s Iryna Zaretska 5-3.
Sombe, a three-time Premier League winner and current World Champion, is back in top form. Switzerland’s Elena Quirici beat Elina Sieliemienieva of Ukraine 2-0. Quirici, the current Grand Winner, returns to the final after missing the Istanbul event.
Male Kumite 84+ kg – Mohamed Elhassan vs Andjelo Kvesic
Egypt’s Mohamed Elhassan reached his first Karate One Premier League final after a 0-0 draw against Anes Bostandzic from Bosnia and Herzegovina, winning by ‘Hantei’ or judges’ decision.
Croatia’s Andjelo Kvesic beat Ivan Kudzinaŭ of WKF-2 2-1, reaching his second Premier League final. Kvesic previously won the title in 2024 in Antalya.
Female Kumite 68+ kg – Sofya Berultseva vs Rochelle Walters
Kazakhstan’s Sofya Berultseva advanced to the final after a 4-2 victory over Maria Torres Garcia of Spain. Berultseva, a five-time Premier League winner, aims to repeat her Istanbul success. England’s Rochelle Walters beat Johanna Kneer of Germany 4-3 to reach her first final since her two previous appearances.
