The fifth edtion 2016 Karate 1 – Premier League began on April 9 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) while Iran’s Sepahan team comprising of Yavari, Karimi and Khalifian appeared on tatami in Female Team Kata event and defeat the Egyptian team before conceding a 5-0 defeat against Malaysia.
Malaysia’s promotion to the final round gave Iran a chance to compete for the bronze medal in the losers’ group where Sepahan managed to defeat Italy 3-2 standing on the third podium.
In Male Team Kata event, Iran’s Avaye Razm comprising of Roshani, Sajjadifar and Tadvin prevailed over Saudi rivals in the first round 5-0 and later breezed past Qatar 4-1.
Avaye Razm team failed to overcome Malaysia in semifinals 2-3 and bagged the silver medal by subduing Germany 4-1.
Meanwhile in the individual section, Iran’s Zabihollah Pourshib secured the bronze medal of the tournament in -84kg weight category.
Pourshib had struck and off draw in the first round while later he downed the Azerbaijani rival before getting the better of the Austrian karateka.
The Iranian karate practitioner met world gold medalist Al Ketbi of Egypt in the semifinals where he lost the tough game 4-7.
Pourshib trounced Ismat Davali of Turkey 9-5 in his last encounter in order to gain the bronze medal of the Premier League.
Moreover, Iran’s Asgari defeated all rivals on road to the finals of -75kg and will meet Rafael Aghayev of Azerbaijan in an attempt to earn the gold medal.
The fifth round of 2016 Karate 1 – Premier League convened in Dubai, UAE from April 9-10.
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