PH’s Junna Tsukii bows out of karate world championships
Philippines’ Junna Tsukii during the female kumite -50 kg second round. KARATE PILIPINAS PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines’ Junna Tsukii suffered an early exit in the the 2021 World Karate Federation Senior Championships, losing to Bakhriniso Babaeva, 3-2, in the female kumite -50 kg second round Wednesday in Dubai.
Tsukii, regarded as one of the Philippines’ best bets in the World Championships, started off the competition with a win over Macedonia’s Sara Radicevska but immediately lost ground to Babaeva of Uzebekistan in succeding round.
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“Thank you so much for your support,” posted Tsukii on her Facebook account. “But I’m sorry I lost to Uzbekistan in the second round. I couldn’t be the champion today.”
“But I’m already on my way to my next goal. I promise to take advantage of this loss and become stronger.”
Article continues after this advertisementBabaeva then ultimately lost to Algeria’s Cylia Ouikene, 1-0, in the fourth round.
The other Filipino bet Jamie Lim, who lost in the fourth round on Wednesday, will get her shot at the bronze medal in the -61kg female kumite later.
