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.
“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.”
Babaeva 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.