FILIPINO karateka Erica Samonte struck gold in the International Shotokan Karate Federation Master Camp Championship in Pennsylvania recently.
The 26-year-old Manileña subdued American Pratima Devichand, 2-1, in the finals to claim the women’s seniors blackbelt title against some of the world’s best karatekas.
The multititled Samonte, a third Dan blackbelter, eliminated her foes from Canada, Israel and Mexico to set up the titular clash with the highly regarded Devichand.
Philippine Karatedo Federation secretary general Raymund Lee Reyes said Samonte’s victory broke the dominance of western countries in the prestigious competition.
A perennial kumite gold medalist in the PKF national championships, Samonte was a double bronze medalist in the women’s -50 kg kumite and team category during the 2011 Palembang Southeast Asian Games.