Ivan Kvesić (CRO) has secured a match for the bronze medal at the European Championships in Zadar. In a dramatic semifinal against Greek Konstantinos Mastrogiannis, Ivan executed an ippon in the final second, gaining a three-point advantage (6:3). However, in the continuation of the match, the Greek karateka equalized with an ippon for a final score of 6:6 and won on the basis of the first point scored (senshu).
In earlier elimination rounds, Ivan recorded three wins. He defeated Portuguese Goncalo Freitas with a score of 9:0. In the second round, Belarusian karateka Hleb Sachkouski, competing under a neutral flag, withdrew due to injury, and Ivan won with 5:0. In the quarterfinal, Ivan finished the match one minute before the end of the time as he secured a victory against Slovakian Julian Enrik Smoliga with a score of 11:3.
The bronze medal match in the -84 kg category is scheduled for Saturday, 11 May at 10:15 according to the preliminary schedule. Ivan’s opponent will be the winner of the repechage.
Results, schedule, and other information about the Championships are available on the How to follow page.
Entry for spectators to the European Senior Karate and Para-Karate Championships Zadar 2024 is free.
