In a sensational demonstration of authority and presenting a flawless performance, Antonio Diaz dominated the Male Kata category so to confirm his status of one of the best Kata karatekas of all times. Antonio Diaz's domination was one of the most outstanding highlights of day 2 of the 2017 Pan American Championships being held this week in Curaçao. 

In a sensational demonstration of authority and presenting a flawless performance, Antonio Diaz dominated the Male Kata category so to confirm his status of one of the best Kata karatekas of all times. Antonio Diaz's domination was one of the most outstanding highlights of day 2 of the 2017 Pan American Championships being held this week in Curaçao. 

Two-time World Champion Antonio Diaz paved the way to compete for his impressive tenth consecutive title defeating all his rivals by unanimous decisions. In the quest to his 15th continental crown, Antonio Diaz will meet fellow teammate and disciple Cleiver Casanova, in an all-Venezuelan final. 

FRONTRUNNERS ON TOP FORM 

Favourites flexed their muscles in some of the most contended categories at the event. The two main front-runners in Female Kata reached the final of the category, thus repeating the title-deciding bout of the last edition of the event. Defending champion Sakura Kokumai aims at her third consecutive crown after edging Andrea Armada of Venezuela in semifinals. Current silver medallist Maria Dimitrova of Dominican Republic also repeated qualification to the final following her convincing victory over Canada's Rita Ngo. 

In the quest to his fourth consecutive continental crown, Douglas Brose of Brazil presented his candidacy to become one of the biggest stars of the event following a sensational performance in Male Kumite -60kg. The two-time World Champion demonstrated a great level in his first international appearance this season and will clash against Colombia's Andres Rendon. It will be a repetition of the final last year, as the Brazilian Karate Star and the Colombian national champion clashed for gold in the last edition of the event. 

The 2017 edition of the championships was also the opportunity for karatekas to regain their place in the spotlight at continental level. In Female Kumite -50kg, Ana Villanueva Fabian aims at recovering the title that the Dominican karateka earned in 2014. The two-time Pan American champion and 2012 World Championships bronze medallist made it to her first final in over two years after defeating current bronze medallist Gabriela Bruna of Chile in semifinals. Aurimer Campos of Venezuela also reached the last bout of the tournament in more than two years and will clash for gold in the category thus aiming at improving the silver medal she earned in 2015. 

Also confirming top form, Valeria Kumikazi of Brazil qualified for the final in Female Kumite -55kg. Current World Championships silver medallist defeated Jenna Brown of the USA to opt for her first continental title. Newcomer Baurelys Torres of Cuba aims at causing the big upset of defeating the top favourite in her first final in major international competition.  

In Male Kumite -67kg, World Championships bronze medallist Andres Madera of Venezuela continued his impressive progression after reaching his third final in four appearances this year. The champion of 2017 Karate 1-Premier League in Paris faces Luis Trivino of Colombia in the quest for gold. The 2012 continental champion Trivino edged Daniel Vargas of Mexico to reach his first final in over five years. 

NEW NAMES ENERGIZE PAN AMERICAN KARATE 

Rising karatekas caught the attention of fans by making it to the last stages of competition in Curaçao. Shanee Torres of Colombia reached her first final in major senior international events in Female Kumite +68kg. The current Pan American U21 silver medallist will clash for gold against Mexico's Ana Isabel Mendoza. After her bronze last year in Rio de Janeiro, the Mexican karateka will try to win her first gold at the event.  

Click here for all the information on the 2017 Karate Pan American Championships.