Iran's Saei adds world taekwondo gold to Olympics title, teammates on podiums

Saei, who was suffering from a leg injury, booked a berth in the second round as he was drawn no confrontation in the opening clashes and his opponent from Estonia refused to appear on the mat.

The Iranian prodigy handed his Swiss rival a humiliating 9-3 defeat in the second round.

In a cutthroat quarterfinal match the veterans called early final of under-72kg category, World Taekwondo Player of the Year 2004, Saei, managed to edge past South Korea's Song Hyum-mum 9-8.

Spaniard Daniel Martinez, who was supported by over 4,000 home fans, was also victimized, losing to the world number one 12-6.

Renowned Japanese player, Takahino Niimi, surrendered to his injuries he picked in the semifinal against Saei, leaving the tatami in favor of his title-thirsty opponent.

The red-clad Saei grabbed the glittering gold with a 5-2 victory over Russian finalist Alan Akoev.

Carlos Vasquez of Venezuela and Niimi won bronze.

More medals

Behzad Khodadad and Youssef Karami from Iran won one silver and one bronze in the 17th World Taekwondo Championships.

In 58kg, Khodadad lost to his South Korean opponent 9-7 in the final, standing second.

The Iranian representative had already defeated players from Thailand, Argentine, Belgium, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

In 84kg, 2004 Olympic bronze medalist Karami failed to book a berth in the final as he was beaten by his South Korean rival 8-6.

On his way to the semifinal, Karami had edged past representatives of Italy, Ireland, Denmark, and Turkey.

Winning 30 points each, Iran and South Korea jointly top the table of the 17th edition of the world taekwondo event.

KK/MA

END

MNA