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Francis Erl Jud Abundo jumps for joy after beating Brunei’s Azlee Khairi bin Wan Zuraimi 7-0 to rule the under-14 male kumite -40-kilogram class of the Karare One-Youth League tournament. –CONTRIBUTED PhoTO
MANILA, Philippines–Francis Erl Jud Abundo and Kathleya Elaine Bustamante delivered the gold medals the Philippines had been waiting for, leading the host nation’s strong finish in the Karate One-Youth League on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
A day before his 13th birthday, Abundo dominated Brunei’s Azlee Khairi bin Wan Zuraimi, 7-0, to rule the under-14 boys kumite -40kg division in the tournament presented by the Philippine Sports Commission.
READ: Karate One Youth League: Podium finish elusive for PH bets
“I thought it was going to be a close fight because it’s the Finals, “Abundo said. “I tried to attack but he did not counter so I was able to land my kicks and punches.”
The Grade 7 student from Agustinian Abbey School of Las Piñas also scored a 7-3 semifinal win over WKF-1’s Nikita Komarov to advance to the gold medal match.
Bustamante followed with another breakthrough for the Philippines, beating Australia’s Ana Jovic, 6-2, in the under-14 girls kumite -47kg finals after taking an early 2-0 lead.
The General Santos City native turned emotional after securing the title.
READ: Karate One-Youth League: PH bets miss podium in Day 2
“This victory feels so good because I have never had this before. This was totally a surprise for me,” Bustamante said. “I am very happy that I reached my best to get this.”
Dean Caleb Montalbo and Alexa Rae Vallesteros added silver medals after settling for runner-up finishes in the under-14 boys and girls kata events, respectively.
Montalbo dropped a narrow 2-3 decision to Saudi Arabia’s Moayad Alqahtani, while Vallesteros absorbed a 0-5 loss to Japan’s Kyoka Okamoto.
Ashana Geanne Sabote and Kaylani Vergara chipped in bronze medals for the Philippines.
Sabote edged fellow Filipina Niela Aieza Albano, 2-1, in the repechage of the girls kumite -42kg division, while Vergara defeated Serbia’s Andrea Nikolic, 4-1.
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The Philippines wrapped up the meet, sanctioned by the World Karate Federation and organized by the Karate Pilipinas Sports Federation, Inc., with two golds, two silvers, and two bronzes in the meet that drew nearly 800 karatekas from 58 countries.
