The best karatekas in the world are gathering this week in Halle/Leipzig (Germany) to clash for gold in the last Karate 1-Premier League of the season. Thrilling moments of spectacular Kata and Kumite are expected at the three days of competition. 

The best karatekas in the world are gathering this week in Halle/Leipzig (Germany) to clash for gold in the last Karate 1-Premier League of the season. Thrilling moments of spectacular Kata and Kumite are expected at the three days of competition. 

The Kata tournament takes the stage during the first day of action in Halle/Leipzig. The quest for gold in the category of choreographed movements is being fierce since world champions, top placed karatekas in the world ranking and fan favourites are competing this weekend in the German city. 

Defending World champion Ryo Kiyuna of Japan, two-time World champion Antonio Diaz of Venezuela and WKF World Ranking leader Damian Quintero of Spain are among the frontrunners in Male Kata, while current World champion Kiyou Shimizu, WKF World ranking leader Sandra Sanchez of Spain and World Championships silver medallist Sarah Sayed of Egypt are among the favourites in Female Kata. 

After the Kata action, the Kumite competition takes the spotlight on the five tatamis at the Brandberge Sporthalle in Halle/Leipzig. Three categories will see the elimination rounds completed thus presenting the competitors that will clash for gold on Sunday. 

The Male Kumite -60kg category, with two-time World Champion Douglas Brose of Brazil, European champion Kalvis Kalnins of Latvia and rising star Sadriddin Saymatov of Uzbekistan among the favourites will be one the highlights of the event. 

The Female Kumite -50kg will also be spectacular with European champion Kateryna Kryva of Ukraine, Karate Star Serap Ozcelik of Turkey and World championships silver medallist Miho Miyahara of Japan as front-runners. 

In Male Kumite -67kg, the favourite status is kept by WKF World Ranking leader Andres Madera of Venezuela, current World champion Jordan Thomas of England and 2016 Grand Winner Vinicius Figueira of Brazil among others. 

The Karate 1-Premier League in Halle/Leipzig being held this weekend put an end to the thrilling season of the first-class series of international Karate competitions. After the events in Paris, Rotterdam, Dubai and Rabat the season of Karate 1-Premier League is completed with the anticipated and record-breaking tournament in the German city. 

CLICK HERE to have access to all the results of the Karate 1-Premier League in Halle/Leipzig.