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Top takeaways from Karate 1-Premier League in Rotterdam

2017-03-22

Top takeaways from Karate 1-Premier League in Rotterdam

The 2017 Karate 1-Premier League in Rotterdam will be remembered for the new demonstration of Japanese karatekas and for the outstanding level of competition throughout the three days of action. 

The 2017 Karate 1-Premier League in Rotterdam will be remembered for the new demonstration of Japanese karatekas and for the outstanding level of competition throughout the three days of action. As a record-breaking number of over a thousand competitors from 66 countries participated in the second event of the 2017 Karate 1-Premier League season, the strength of young karatekas was further stated over the tatami. These are the top takeaways of the 2017 Karate 1-Premier League in Rotterdam.

Japanese karatekas extend their reign 

In the first event of the Karate 1-Premier League season in Paris, representatives of Japan Karate established such a remarkable domination that athletes of the birth nation of the sport took home no less than 13 medals with five golds. Two months later in Rotterdam, Asian powerhouses demonstrated that their dominance was not a one-hit wonder. 

Driven by their biggest heroes, Japanese karatekas ruled in the Dutch city as they claimed a tally of six medals with four golds. Japan are showing top form in the onset of the season and are taking the lead in the quest to prevail in international Karate. France with eight medals and Italy with five medals also registered successful performances in Rotterdam. 

Two out of two for Ryutaro Araga and Sadriddin Saymatov

Japan’s Ryutaro Araga and Uzbekistan’s Sadriddin Saymatov are the two karatekas who have managed to win gold in both Karate 1-Premier League tournaments this season. Japanese Karate Star Araga repeated title in Rotterdam the title he had previously claimed in Paris after defeating local idol Rene Smaal in Male Kumite -84kg category.

Meanwhile, Sadriddin Saymatov, at only 19 years old demonstrated to be the biggest rising figure of international karate. The Shotokan practitioner shocked with his victory in Paris, but again reached the top of the podium of Male Kumite -60kg in Rotterdam after beating Kalvis Kalnins of Latvia.   

Alexandra Recchia regains crown

France’s Alexandra Recchia demonstrated that true heroes are those who bounce back after a setback. The Karate Star had caused a sensation in the 2016 World Championships, as the 28 year-old athlete was proclaimed one of the big winners of the competition following her two gold medals in individual and team categories. 

However, the resilient Lyon native suffered the rigours of high-level sport when she failed to reach the final stages of competition at home in the Karate 1-Premier League in Paris. Producing an exceptional comeback, Recchia recovered her outstanding level and prevailed in Rotterdam. The World and European champion’s performance was so phenomenal that Recchia won all her bouts in the Dutch city without receiving points in her clashes. With her victory in Rotterdam, the two-time European champion earned her 11th gold medal in Karate 1-Premier League events. 

Ten golds in ten tournaments for Kiyou Shimizu

In one of the most impressive careers of international Karate, Kiyou Shimizu won in Rotterdam her tenth gold medal in ten international appearances. The two-time World champion has not lost a bout since her debut in international events in 2011, and with her victory in the Dutch city, the 23 year-old athlete extends an unparalleled domination of the Female Kata category. 

In Rotterdam, as she debuted in international events this season. Shimizu defeated top favourites such as Sandra Sanchez, Sandy Scordo and Karate 1-Premier League Paris winner Hikaru Ono, thus confirming her status as one of Karate’s most acclaimed competitors. 

Young karatekas confirm progression 

Following the pattern which was initiated in the shocking Karate 1-Premier League in Paris, young karatekas took the spotlight in Rotterdam by surprising top favourites and reaching the top of the podium. In addition to 19 year-old Sadriddin Saymatov’s victory in Male Kumite -60kg, Steven Dacosta of France also stated his progression. The younger of the Dacosta saga had claimed bronze medal in 2016 World Championships and triumphed in European Junior, Cadet & U21 Championships before winning in Male Kumite -67kg in Rotterdam. 

The impact of rising karatekas was also demonstrated by the victories of 23 year-old Xiaoyan Yin of China in Female Kumite -61kg, 21 year-old Iryna Zaretska of Azerbaijan in Female Kumite -68kg and 24 year-olds Logan Da Costa of France in Male Kumite -75kg and Ayumi Uekusa of Japan in Female Kumite +68kg . 

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. 

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

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