Algerian karatekas lead way to medals on Day 1 of Mediterranean Games
6/27/2022
Multisport events
The Karate competition of the Mediterranean Games began Sunday with the first day of the competition that had Algerian athletes dominating the first categories at stake.
Algeria registered a successful performance on day 1 of Karate at the Mediterranean Games with four gold medals.
Cylia Ouikene opened the gold medal count for Algeria in Female Kumite -50kg. The current continental champion defeated Reem Salama of Egypt in the final 5-0.
The second gold for Algeria came in Female Kumite -55kg as Louiza Abouriche claimed the title of the category following a 4-1 victory over World and continental champion Ahlam Youssef of Egypt.
The domination of Algeria continued in Female Kumite -61kg. Chaima Midi added the third gold for the powerhouse nation since the current continental bronze medallist beat Tunisia’s Wafa Mahjoub in the final 3-2.
The golden day for Algeria was completed in Male Kumite -75kg. Oussama Zaid starred in one of the big upsets of the day after surprising Olympian and World Championships runner-up Abdalla Abdelaziz of Egypt 5-4
Top favourite Eray Samdan of Turkey used his frontrunner status to take the gold medal in Male Kumite -60kg. The current European champion defeated Ala Salmi of Algeria in the final 5-0.
Also one of the main candidates for the title, Dionysios Xenos of Greece became the champion in Male Kumite -67kg after upsetting Luca Maresca of Italy 3-2.
The Karate event of the Mediterranean Games concludes Monday with the final of the competition.
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