The Karate 1-Series A in Salzburg (Austria) started on Saturday with a record-breaking number of participants and a thrilling quest to gold. Over 1400 competitors from 86 countries are fighting for glory and for the points to progress in the WKF World ranking in the third Karate 1-Series A of the season.

The Karate 1-Series A in Salzburg (Austria) started on Saturday with a record-breaking number of participants and a thrilling quest to gold. Over 1400 competitors from 86 countries are fighting for glory and for reaching the top of the WKF World ranking in the dazzling third Karate 1-Series A of the season.

After the impressive demonstration of the impact of Karate in the first tournaments of the Karate 1-Series A season which were held in Toledo (Spain) and Istanbul (Turkey), the event goes to Salzburg (Austria) where the best karatekas in the world are showcasing their abilities in a surprising first day of competition.

STUNNING RESULTS IN FEMALE KATA

The biggest upset of the tournament occurred in the Female Kata competition. Two-time world champion Kiyou Shimizu of Japan suffered her first defeat in over six years of international career after losing in semifinals against Hong Kong’s Mo Sheung Grace Lau. The karateka from Hong Kong who is ranked in ninth position in WKF Ranking surprised with a 5-0 victory over the world champion who was undefeated up to this moment. Mo Sheung Grace Lau continued to win gold after beating Japan’s Hikaru Ono in the final thus becoming the biggest star of the event.

Meanwhile, Serap Ozcelik of Turkey continues her outstanding campaign. After being proclaimed Karate 1-Premier League Grand Winner, the current European Championships bronze medallist prevailed in Female Kumite -50kg. The 29-year-old karateka won her first gold this year after beating European champion Kateryna Kryva of Ukraine (2-1) in the final.

ALISA BUCHINGER SHINES AT HOME

Austria’s heroine Alisa Buchinger demonstrated her prevalence when she competes at home and won the Female Kumite -61kg. The Salzburg-native athlete, who became World champion also in front of family and friends in Linz, used the support from the stands in her favour to claim her second gold this season. Buchinger took the top of the podium after winning 1-0 over Ecuador’s Jacqueline Factos in the final. 

In men’s competition, France’s Steven Dacosta confirmed his status of one of the most promising athletes of today’s karate. The 20-year-old karateka won gold in Male Kumite -67kg in a demonstration of efficiency, after beating fellow French karateka Marvin Garin 5-0 in the final. The Dacosta family can finish the tournament with another gold medal, as Logan Dacosta will clash for the title of Male Kumite -75kg against Corentin Seguy of France in another all-French final.

The first day of competition puts the spotlight in the Male and Female Kata categories and in Male Kumite -67kg, -75kg, -84kg and Female Kumite -50kg, -61kg and -68kg categories. Some of the top athletes of today’s Karate are expected to shine on the tatami of the Austrian city.