(Photo WKF)
Japan secured both spots in the men’s Kata final at the Karate One Premier League Rabat. Ohata Kotaro advanced after edging Ariel Torres Gutierrez of the United States 4-3, while Nishiyama Kakeru defeated teammate Moto Kazumasa by a dominant 7-0 score.
Nishiyama also confirmed his position as Grand Winner for a fifth consecutive season, extending his remarkable reign at the top of the category.
Monica Arzumian and Sawsane Benchbab Make History in Female Kumite -61kg
A new chapter was written in women’s Kumite -61kg as first-time finalists Monica Arzumian of France and Sawsane Benchbab of Morocco secured their places in the gold medal bout. Arzumian claimed a narrow 3-2 victory over Shimada Sarara of Japan, while Benchbab cruised past Wafa Mahjoub of Tunisia 7-0.
Despite missing the final, Sarara Shimada secured the Grand Winner award after confirming her lead in the season standings.
Youssef Badawy and Mohammad Aljafari Keep Grand Winner Quest Alive in Men’s Kumite -84kg
The fight for the Grand Winner title remains open in men’s Kumite -84kg. Youssef Badawy of Egypt booked his place in the final with a 6-2 victory over Eduard Gasparian of WKF-1. Mohammad Aljafari of Jordan joined him after defeating Konstantinos Mastrogiannis of Greece 8-2.
Aljafari and Gasparian remain locked in a tense clash for the season crown heading into the final stages of the tournament.
Iryna Zaretska and Kama Tsubasa Advance in women’s Kumite -68kg
Iryna Zaretska of Azerbaijan and Kama Tsubasa of Japan moved into the final after closely contested semifinal victories. Zaretska overcame Jana Hazem Elsayed of Egypt 2-1, while Kama defeated Elina Sieliemienieva of Ukraine by the same score.
The Grand Winner award is still undecided, with Kama, Zaretska and Sieliemienieva all remaining in contention.
Ahmed Elmasry and Andjelo Kvesic Reach Final as Rodrigo Rojas Secures Grand Winner Honour
Ahmed Elmasry of Egypt earned his place in the men’s Kumite +84kg final after a dramatic 5-4 win over Rodrigo Rojas of Chile. In the other semifinal, Andjelo Kvesic of Croatia defeated Kentaro Yamauchi of Japan 3-1.
Although he fell short of the final, Rojas completed an outstanding season and officially claimed the Grand Winner award.
Clio Ferracuti and Rochelle Walters Set Up women’s Kumite +68kg Final
Clio Ferracuti of Italy and Rochelle Walters of England will compete for gold after impressive semifinal performances. Ferracuti edged Brenda Pereira of Brazil 4-3, while Walters recorded a commanding 9-1 victory over Robin Vanwezel of the Netherlands.
The Grand Winner crown in the category was already secured by Sofya Berultseva of Kazakhstan, who completed a sensational season to finish on top of the standings.
