Sakura Alforte made a memorable debut by winning the women’s individual kata gold in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games karate competitions on Saturday at the Chroy Changvar Convention Center Hall A in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
With Alforte’s victory, the Philippines won their third gold medal of the day, bringing its total to five overall titles.
As a Games rookie, Alforte defeated defending champion Nguyen Thi Phuong in the gold medal match with a score of 40.8, while Phuong scored 40.2.
Joco Vasquez also won a bronze medal in the men’s individual kata.
In the 31st Games in Hanoi last year, Filipino karatekas won eight bronzes, resulting in a sixth-place finish in the sport.
