SEA Games: Junna Tsukii strikes 1st gold for Philippines in karatedo

DECEMBER 7, 2019: Philippines’ Junna Tsukii (red) celebrates after defeating Vietnam’s Dinh Thi Huong (blue) to claim the gold medal of the women’s Karatedo-50 kg of the 30th South East Asian Games 2019. INQUIRER PHOTO/ Sherwin Vardeleon

MANILA, Philippines — Junna Tsukii made quick work of her foe to grab the gold medal in the women’s 50kg kumite in the Southeast Asian Games’ karate at World Trade Center in Pasay

Tsukii, a bronze medalist in the 2018 Asian Games, met little resistance from Thi Huong Dinh of Vietnam, who she beat 1-0.

The Filipina-Japanese karateka was one of the heavy favorites to deliver a gilded showing in the biennial meet.

Tsukii’s strongest showing was during the quarterfinals, where she thrashed Azli Nor of Malaysia, 6-0.