The second Karate 1 Premier League of the season concluded today in a flurry of intense matches, showcasing the pinnacle of karate talent from around the globe. Defending World title-holders Abdalla Abdelaziz, Moldir Zhangburbay and Youssef Badawy and World ranking leaders Mo Sheung Grace Lau and Kakeru Nishiyama were among the big winners of the event.

Egypt's Abdalla Abdelaziz Triumphs in Male Kumite -75kg

Abdalla Abdelaziz of Egypt, reigning world champion and top-ranked competitor, secured victory in the Male Kumite -75kg category, defeating Omer Faruk Yurur of Turkey with a score of 3-1. After his triumph at the opening event in Paris, Olympian Abdelaziz extends his dominance in the category.

Morocco's Fatima-Zahra Chajai Dominates Female Kumite -61kg

In the Female Kumite -61kg division, Fatima-Zahra Chajai of Morocco, a first-time finalist in the Karate 1 Premier League, showcased her prowess by overpowering Maryam Ajaray of Belgium with an impressive score of 9-1. Chajai claims her second title of the year after winning gold at the African Games barely one week ago.

Kuwait's Abdullah Shaaban Claims Victory in Male Kumite -60kg

Abdullah Shaaban of Kuwait emerged victorious in the Male Kumite -60kg category after a closely contested match against Eray Samdan of Turkey, with a final score of 6-5. Shaaban upset the local hero and wins his first Karate 1 Premier League title.

Kazakhstan's Moldir Zhangbyrbay Clinches Female Kumite -50kg Title

Moldir Zhangbyrbay of Kazakhstan, the reigning world champion, secured the Female Kumite -50kg title, as her opponent Yorgelis Salazar of Venezuela was unable to compete due to injury, resulting in Zhangbyrbay's win by "Kiken."

Hong Kong's Mo Sheung Grace Lau Shines in Female Kata

Mo Sheung Grace Lau of Hong Kong, the top-ranked competitor, demonstrated her mastery of the art by winning the Female Kata category with her flawless performance of "Chatanyara Kushanku," edging out Saeko Azuma of Japan with a score of 43.4 to 43.2. Her victory in Antalya is a testament to her dominance in the category, as she garnered her whopping 25^th medal in the Karate 1 Premier League.

Egypt's Youssef Badawy Takes Male Kumite -84kg Title

Youssef Badawy of Egypt, the current world champion and top-ranked competitor, secured victory in the Male Kumite -84kg category by defeating Mohammad Aljafari of Jordan by a narrow margin of 3-2. The defending World Champion earns his third medal in three events this year, following his triumphs in the African Games and the bronze medal in Paris.

Switzerland's Elena Quirici Triumphs in Female Kumite -68kg

Elena Quirici of Switzerland, the second-ranked competitor in the category, emerged victorious in the Female Kumite -68kg category after a hard-fought battle against Wiktoria Grejner of Poland, with a final score of 4-3.

Morocco's Said Oubaya Prevails in Male Kumite -67kg

Said Oubaya of Morocco, the current continental championships runner-up, continued his winning streak by defeating Luca Maresca of Italy in the Male Kumite -67kg category with a score of 4-3. With this result, Oubaya replicated his success from the opening event in Paris which also resulted in a victory over Luca Maresca.

Kazakhstan's Bella Samasheva Wins Female Kumite -55kg

Bella Samasheva of Kazakhstan, a first-time finalist in the Karate 1 Premier League, emerged victorious in the Female Kumite -55kg category by defeating Viola Lallo of Italy with a score of 7-3. It is the first gold in Karate 1-Premier League for the promising Kazakh karateka, who had the silver medal at the 2022 U21 World Championships as her best result.

Japan's Kakeru Nishiyama Excels in Male Kata

Kakeru Nishiyama of Japan, the current grand winner and top-ranked competitor, claimed victory in the Male Kata category with his outstanding performance of Chibana no Kushanku Kata, beating Ariel Torres of the United States with a score of 43.5 to 45.7. The owner of the karategi with the golden embroidery adds one more title this year after his gold in Paris.

Germany's Johanna Kneer Secures Female Kumite +68kg Title

Johanna Kneer of Germany, the 2023 continental champion, emerged victorious in the Female Kumite +68kg category by defeating Maria Torres of Spain with a score of 11-3. Kneer overpowered top favourite Torres who had taken the title at the opening event in Paris.

Croatia's Andjelo Kvesic Takes Male Kumite +84kg Crown

Andjelo Kvesic of Croatia, the current world championships silver medallist, secured victory in the Male Kumite +84kg category by defeating Taha Tarek Mahmoud of Egypt with a score of 7-3.

In a day filled with fierce competition and remarkable displays of skill, athletes from around the world showcased the highest levels of karate excellence, leaving an indelible mark on the second Karate 1 Premier League event of the season in Antalya.

Karate's first-class series of events travels now to Cairo (Egypt), where the third event of the season will be held from April 19 to 21.

2024 KARATE 1 PREMIER LEAGUE ANTALYA

Gold medallists of Karate 1 Premier League Antalya

Silver medallists of Karate 1 Premier League Antalya

Bronze medallists of Karate 1 Premier League Antalya