Turkey were the dominant force on day two of the European Karate Championships ©WKF

Turkey were the dominant force on day two of the European Karate Championships, securing their place in three of the four team finals. 

Among the trio of finals in which the country will be represented is the men's kata. 

The side, made up of Kutluhan Duran, Emre Vefa Göktaş and Ali Sofuoğlu, headed their pool with their rendition of "Kanku Sho" kata, giving them a score of 26.34 points at Pabellon Multiusos sports hall.

Awaiting them in the final are hosts Spain, whose team of Sergio Galán López, José Manuel Carbonell and Francisco José Salazar confirmed their status as favourites by topping their pool with their performance of "Chatanyara Kushanku" kata.

The trio, who have reached a whopping 11 consecutive finals on the continental stage, scored 26.48 points.

Turkey will also have the opportunity to fight for the gold medal in the men’s and women’s team kumite events.

The men’s team, headed by Grand Winner Uğur Aktaş, beat Ukraine 3-0 in semi-finals to move to within one win of defending the title they won last year in Novi Sad in Serbia.

In the other side of the pool, Serbia upset Spain to reach their first continental final.

The Serbians claimed a surprise 3-0 victory.

Spain men, pictured, and Spain women reached their respective team kata finals ©WKF
Spain men, pictured, and Spain women reached their respective team kata finals ©WKF

In the women’s team kumite competition, Turkey defeated Spain 2-0 in the semi-finals as the nation aims to regain the title they last won in 2014.

Ukraine, led by Anzhelika Terliuga, secured the other final spot with a 15-8 victory over Italy.

The country were last crowned European champions in the event in 2017.

The one team final in which Turkey will not be represented is the women’s kata, with Spain and Italy set to battle it out for glory.

The Spaniards, whose team comprises Lidia Rodriguez, Raquel Roy Rubio and Marta Vega Letamendi, prevailed in their pool after excelling with their "Anan Dai" kata for a score of 24.62 points.

Reigning champions Italy, bidding for a third consecutive triumph, qualified for the final after topping their pool with a score of 24.48 points.

Their squad, comprising Carola Casale, Terryana D’Onofrio and Michela Pezzetti, produced an impressive "Anan Dai" kata.

The women’s kumite team final is due to take place tomorrow, while the other three are scheduled for Sunday (March 31).

Also being held tomorrow are the medal bouts in the individual categories.