Spain and Japan were the dominant nations on the opening day of action ©WKF

Spain secured the men’s and women’s under-21 titles on the opening day of the World Cadet, Junior and Under-21 Championships in Tenerife.

Lidia Rodriguez Encabo triumphed in the women’s under-21 event in fine fashion, having used the experience garnered from having participated at seven senior international events.

“It is a dream come true,” Encabo said.

“Everyone wants to be world champion but when you finally make it, it is a lifetime dream coming into a reality.

“There are no words to describe the joy I am feeling right now,” said the rising karate star.

Encabo’s victory was followed by success for her compatriot Xabier Pereda in the men’s competition.

Pereda saw off the challenge of Turkey’s Emre Vefa Goktas in the final, with the judges awarding the Spaniard a 3-2 victory.

Kata competitions were the focus of the opening day ©WKF
Kata competitions were the focus of the opening day ©WKF

Japan enjoyed success in the cadet competitions as Mirisa Ohuchi beat Austria’s Funda Celo 5-0 in the women’s event.

Aoi Funada then triumphed by the same scoreline in the men’s junior kata event, with the young karateka overcoming Indonesia’s Ivan Fairuz Taher.

Rina Morimoto then claimed a 5-0 victory over Patricia Bahledova of Austria in the women’s junior event.

Japan suffered defeat in the men’s cadet kata final, with Turkey’s Enes Ozdemir beating Yuta Hibi.