Grand Winners Crowned on Day 1 of Karate 1 Premier League Casablanca

Female Kata: Ohuchi vs. Ono in Final as Ono Claims Grand Winner Award

In the Female Kata category, Mirisa Ohuchi of Japan produced a stunning upset by defeating Kiri Mishima, also from Japan, with a score of 42.30 to 42.30, winning by the tie-breaking criteria. This is Ohuchi’s first final, surpassing her previous best of three bronze medals.

Maho Ono, also from Japan, beat Mo Sheung Grace Lau of Hong Kong 43.20 to 42.60, securing her position as the Grand Winner. Ono, who has won medals in all the Karate 1-Premier League events of the season including the gold Paris replaces compatriot Hikaru Ono and becomes the “best of the best” in this category for the first time.

Male Kumite -75 kg: Berthon vs. New Grand Winner Abdelaziz

Enzo Berthon of France secured his place in the final by defeating Mohamed-Amine Badjou of Morocco 8-5. Berthon, who previously won silver at the 2023 Karate 1-Premier League Dublin, is seeking his first gold.

Abdalla Abdelaziz of Egypt, the current world number one and defending world champion, beat Quentin Mahauden of Belgium 4-4 by "Hantei" or decision. With this win, Abdelaziz celebrates his crowning as the Grand Winner of the category, replacing Mahauden as the “best of the best” in this division.

The Female Kata competition will see a final featuring new Grand Winner Maho Ono and Mirisa Ohuchi

Female Kumite -61 kg: Gong vs. Kujuro in Final, Khamis repeats as Grand Winner

Li Gong of China triumphed over Maryam Ajaray of Belgium with a score of 3-1. Despite being the current World Champion, this is Gong's first final in the Karate 1 Premier League. Yuki Kujuro of Japan defeated Carlota Fernandez Osorio of Spain by 4-4 Senshuu, or first unopposed point to make it to the final. This marks Kujuro’s first Premier League final, having previously won two bronze medals.

This category was also marked by Reem Khamis’ crowning as the Grand Winner. The German karateka regained the Grand Winner award in this category, capping an excellent season.

Male Kumite -60 kg: Shaaban vs. Hashimoto to Clash for Grand Winner Award

Abdullah Shaaban of Kuwait defeated Kaisar Alpysbay of Kazakhstan 1-0. Shaaban, winner of the 2024 Karate 1-Premier League Antalya, is a two-time continental champion. His rival in the final is Hiromu Hashimoto of Japan who beat Amr Alaa Aboukora of Egypt 4-1. Hashimoto is the current Grand Winner and a two-time Premier League champion. The final between Hashimoto and Shaaban will determine the new Grand Winner in this division, in one of the highlights of the day of finals on Sunday.

Female Kumite -50 kg: Grand Winner Zhangbyrbay vs. Salazar in Final

Moldir Zhangbyrbay of Kazakhstan defeated Natalia Vargova of Slovakia 8-1. Zhangbyrbay confirmed her status as the new Grand Winner, completing a remarkable season with medals in all three events, including gold in Antalya.

The newly proclaimed Grand Winner will clash for gold against Yorgelis Salazar of Venezuela who beat Sara Tsutsumi of Japan 8-0. This will be Salazar’s eighth Karate 1 Premier League final.

Abdalla Abdelaziz was crowned as the new Grand Winner 

Male Kumite -84 kg: Yuldashev vs. Toroshanko in Final with Badawy Crowned as Grand Winner

Daniyar Yuldashev of Kazakhstan won against Mohammad Aljafari of Jordan 6-5 in the semifinals. Yuldashev, a four-time finalist, is aiming for his first Karate 1- Premier League gold. Andrii Toroshanko of Ukraine beat Youssef Badawy of Egypt 4-1. Toroshanko is a first-time international finalist seeking his first international medal.

Despite the defeat in the semifinals, Youssef Badawy was crowned the new Grand Winner in this category, having won medals in all Karate 1-Premier League events this season, including gold in Antalya.

As the competition continues Saturday, the excitement builds towards the final day, with the Grand Winners already making their mark as the elite athletes of the 2024 Karate 1 Premier League season.

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2024 KARATE 1-PREMIER LEAGUE CASABLANCA