The first day of medals of the 2024 EKF Senior Championships in Zadar, Croatia, unfolded with electrifying intensity as the continent’s new champions were crowned today. Local heroes Andjelo Kvesic, Daniela Topic and Ivan Martinac were among the stars of the morning session of finals on Saturday, marking the beginning of an enthralling journey for both athletes and spectators alike.
Male Kumite 84+ kg: Andjelo Kvesic Brings Home Victory for Croatia
Local favorite Andjelo Kvesic thrilled Croatian fans by clinching the gold in the Male Kumite 84+ kg division. Kvesic’s 6-2 victory over Matteo Avanzini of Italy marked his second continental title, having last won in 2022.
The jubilant atmosphere in the Kresimir Cosic Sports hall in Zadar reflected the joy of the defending bronze medallist reclaiming the top spot and taking the flag of the organising nation to the highest spot on the podium for the first time today.
Female Kumite 68+ kg: Johanna Kneer Claims Second Consecutive Title
Johanna Kneer of Germany secured her second consecutive European title in the Female Kumite 68+ kg category, defeating Rochelle Walters of England in a closely contested final, 4-2.
Kneer, who had previously triumphed in Guadalajara last year and now in Zadar, showcased her dominance yet again. Her victory today adds to her impressive record this season, having also clinched gold in the Karate 1 Premier League events in Cairo and Antalya.
Local fans elevated Martinac and Kvesic to the top of the podium
Female Kumite -68 kg: Alizee Agier Returns to Top of Podium
France’s Alizee Agier added another feather to her cap by winning the Female Kumite -68 kg category. Agier’s 6-2 victory over Elena Quirici of Switzerland secured her second continental title and fifth continental medal overall.
Her return to the winner’s circle after claiming the crown in 2019 underscores her consistent excellence in the sport, in one of the clashes of titans of the day against Olympian and three-time continental titleholder Quiric.
Male Kumite -84 kg: Konstantinos Mastrogianis Makes History for Greece
Konstantinos Mastrogianis of Greece made history by clinching his first continental title in the Male Kumite -84 kg category. Mastrogianis’s impressive 7-2 victory over Brian Timmermans of the Netherlands marked a significant milestone in his career, particularly as the defending bronze medallist.
Female Kumite -61 kg: Ingrida Bakos Suchankova Secures Continental Crown After Her Return to Competition
Ingrida Bakos Suchankova of Slovakia emerged victorious in the Female Kumite -61 kg division, edging out Lejla Topalovic of Austria in a thrilling encounter, 6-5. Suchankova’s win not only defended her 2022 title but also marked her fifth continental medal, as she returned to the international stage this year after being absent following her recent motherhood.
Johanna Kneer of Germany won her second consecutive title
Female Kumite -55 kg: Mia Bitsch Claims Maiden Title
Germany’s Mia Bitsch made a memorable debut in the Female Kumite -55 kg category, securing her first continental title by defeating Sonia Pereira of Spain 4-2. Bitsch’s victory, despite being a first-time finalist, exemplifies her rising talent in the sport.
Male Kumite -75 kg: Ivan Martinac Shines in Front of Home Crowd
Croatia’s Ivan Martinac delighted local fans by clinching the gold in the Male Kumite -75 kg category. Martinac’s commanding 4-0 victory over Daniele De Vivo of Italy marked his first-time finalist triumph, elevating him from his previous bronze medal status at the 2016 Karate 1 Premier League in Salzburg.
Para-Karate Champions Celebrate Emotional Victories
In a memorable moment, the first Para-Karate champions were crowned in the morning session, evoking a range of emotions among competitors and spectators alike. The categories for intellectually impaired athletes showcased extraordinary talent and determination and demonstrated the inclusive nature of karate.
Croatia’s Daniela Topic won gold at home
Intellectually Impaired Female K21: Olivia Kakosy Reigns Supreme
Hungary’s Olivia Kakosy emerged victorious in the Intellectually Impaired Female K21 category, narrowly defeating Lucia Sanchez of Spain with a score of 41.40 to 40.60.
Intellectually Impaired Male K21: Carlos Huertas Seals Victory for Spain
Spain’s Carlos Huertas triumphed in the Intellectually Impaired Male K21 category, securing victory over Albert Singer of Germany with a score of 40.80 to 39.10.
Intellectually Impaired Male K22: Mattia Allesina Makes Italy Proud
Italy’s Mattia Allesina claimed the top spot in the Intellectually Impaired Male K22 division, outperforming Stipe Baric of Croatia with a score of 40.50 to 39.60.
Intellectually Impaired Female K22: Daniela Topic’s Homecoming Triumph
Croatia’s Daniela Topic celebrated a memorable victory in the Intellectually Impaired Female K22 category, defeating Tijana Stamenovic of Serbia with a score of 40.50 to 37.30.
The first session of medals of the 2024 EKF Senior Championships in Zadar, Croatia, witnessed a thrilling display of skill, determination, and triumph across various categories, setting the stage for the afternoon session when the rest of the new European champions will be crowned.
The medal bouts of #KarateZadar2024 are available LIVE on the WKF YouTube channel. The live broadcast of the bronze medals starts on Saturday at 9.30 (GMT +1) with the first session of gold medals scheduled for 12.00 (GMT +1). The second session of bronze medals starts at 15.30 (GMT +1) and the gold medals are slated for 18.00 (GMT +1)
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