CURAZAO 2017:FRONTRUNNERS MAKING THEIR MARK

The list of karatekas monopolizing their categories was also completed by Sakura Kokumai of the USA who claimed her third consecutive continental title in Female Kata. The 24 year-old Hawaiian karateka defeated Maria Dimitrova of the Dominican Republic by split decision so to continue reigning in the category of choreographed movements. 

As she confirmed her status of top favorite, Brazil's Valeria Kumizaki won her first Pan American title after beating newcomer Baurelys Torres of Cuba in Female Kumite -55kg. The World Championships runner-up used her experience in her favour to win her first gold this season.

In Male Kumite -75kg, Brazil's Hernani Verissimo kept dominating the category and clinched his second continental title in a row. The Brazilian promising karateka beat Juan Landazuri of Colombia so to continue ruling the competition at under 75kg. 

Meanwhile, in Female Kumite -50Kg Ana Villanueva of Dominican Republic regained the continental crown that she had won in 2014 for the last time after defeating Aurimer Campos of Venezuela so to increase the tally of medals for the Dominican country. 

Also claiming a new continental title, Jorge Perez of Dominican Republic repeated triumph in Male Kumite -84 kg and won his second Pan American crown in a convincing victory over Freddy Valera of Venezuela.