The third stop of the season of Karate 1-Premier League started in Dubai with an electric first day of competition. The anticipated quest to finals and some notable absences are setting the mood for the memorable weekend of the best Karate. 

The third stop of the season of Karate 1-Premier League started in Dubai with an electric first day of competition. The anticipated quest to finals and some notable absences are setting the mood for the memorable weekend of the best Karate in the Emirate city. 

The Kata categories and the first rounds of Male Kumite -60kg, Female Kumite -50 and Male Kumite -67kg are taking the stage in the first day of competition in Dubai. Top favorites confirmed their status and reached the final stages of competition.

After his silver medal in Karate 1-Premier League Rotterdam, Karate Star and Grand Winner Damian Quintero of Spain demonstrated a sensational form in the first day so to qualify for the final of Male Kata following his series of victories by 5-0. Turkey's Ali Sofouglu will try to increase his tally of three golds in Karate 1-Premier League by facing the World ranking leader in the title-deciding bout.

The final of Female Kata will also have Spanish presence, as Karate Star Sandra Sanchez also made it to the last day of competition. The European champion had a rocky start but managed to recover the winning mode to reach the final. On the other side of the tatami, the two-time bronze medallist in Karate 1-Premier League this season from Spain will find Indonesia's Aprilia Krisda Putri, who surprised and aim at her first gold in the event.

Clash of titans in Female Kumite -50kg

The Female Kumite -50kg will also have a final among two of the frontrunners of the category. Karate Star Serap Ozcelik of Turkey stated her condition of defending European championships runner-up and reached her first final this season after her bronze medal in Karate 1-Premier League Paris.  In one of the highlights of the last day, Ozcelik will clash against Austria's Bettina Plank. The World Championships bronze medallist from Austira got to the last bout of the category thus recovering from staying away of the podium in the first two events of the season.

In his quest to become one of the biggest heroes of the Karate 1-Premier League this year, Uzbekistan Sadriddin Saymatov qualified for his third final of the season. The young karateka, who together with Ryutaro Araga is the only athlete with two gold medals this year will try to continue his winning streak against Turkey's Aykut Kaya.

Two young karatekas who had never reached the last day of Karate 1-Premier League events will meet in the Male Kumite -67kg. Greece's Dionysios Xenos and Iran's Saeid Ali Pour will fight for gold so to demonstrate the rising force of young generations in international Karate.

Two Italy vs Spain confrontations in both Female Team Kata and Male Team Kata complete the list of finalists of the thrilling first day in Dubai.

The event is also being determined by some relevant late absences in the competition. Karate Star Rafael Aghayev will finally not take part in the tournament in Dubai. The five-time World champion, who recently posted a picture in social media of his new-born baby will not be able to defend the crown that he earned in last year’s edition of the event in Dubai.

About Karate World TV Channel 

The Karate World TV Channel gives fans around the world a front row seat to view all the Karate 1- Premier League events. By signing to the Karate World TV Channel, Karate fans will receive all the excitement of the 2017 Karate 1-Premier League in HD, including all five tournaments LIVE, On-demand event replays, Video On Demand and Exclusive Content. 

Sign up for the Karate World TV Channel HERE

About Karate 1 – Premier League 

The Karate1-Premier League- is the most important league event in the world of Karate. It comprises of a number of the most prominent Karate competitions, with the cities of Paris (France), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Dubai (UAE), Rabat (Morocco) and Halle/Leipzig (Germany) acting as the stops of this year’s edition.

The Karate 1-Premier League will also be one of the key elements in the road to the Olympic qualification since the points to be allocated in Karate 1-Premier League tournaments will play an essential role in the configuration of the World ranking.