For the gold, the brothers Dionysis and Stefanos Xenos

The second day of the Guadalajara European Karate Championship was a “family affair” for Greece. Dionysis and Stefanos Xenos qualified for the finals of their categories and today (Saturday) they will claim gold medals.

The oldest, Dionysis Xenos, No2 in the world ranking in -67k KUMITE, will face the French No1 and Olympic gold medalist, Steven Da Costa. On his way to the third successive European Men’s final of his career, the Odysseus Petroupolis champion eliminated Azare (Belgium, 2-0), Nelesthal (Spain, 3-1), Thompson (England, 1-0) and in the semi-final the very strong Turkish Burak Uygur (1-0).

His younger brother, Stefanos, reached the -60k KUMITE final and will challenge for first place against the Italian Angelo Crescenzo. To achieve this, he overcame the obstacles of Gothenburg (Israel, 5-3), Nastev (Bulgaria, 2-0), Filipov (Ukraine, 3-3) and in the semi-final of the Turkish Erai Samdan (3-0).

Thus, there are five Greek finals on Saturday’s schedule. In addition to Dionysis and Stefanos Xeno, a gold medal is claimed at +84k. Giorgos Tzanos against the French Mehdi Filali. In the repechage final with the goal of the bronze medal, Konstantinos Mastrogiannis (-84k.) takes part against the Slovakian Andi Juric and Konstantina Chrysopoulou (-61k.) against the Frenchwoman, Laura Siver.

Konstantina Peppa (-68kg), Kelly Kydonaki (+68kg), Stelina Tzilia (-50kg), Maria Stolis (-55kg), Dimitris Stolis (-75kg) and Lambros Markesinis (KATA). The Hellenic Karate Federation congratulates all the athletes who participated for their efforts.