Algerian Radio
Karatekas Cylia Ouikène (-50 kg) and Louiza Abouriche (-55 kg) stepped onto the second and third steps of the podium in their respective categories at the international "One Premier League" tournament in Rome, Italy, this Sunday.
Currently ranked 3rd in the world, Ouikène achieved a flawless run before reaching the final. After her three victories earned during the group stage, the 20-year-old Algerian champion maintained her momentum in the quarter-finals against Taipei's representative, Chan Hsin-Yu (1-0), before eliminating Italian Legitimo Ludovica (2-1) in the semi-finals.
During the final bout for the precious metal, the Algerian was unable to replicate her previous performances and fell to Venezuelan Salazar Yorgelis (6-3).
For her part, Abouriche (-55 kg) finished one step below her compatriot, securing the bronze medal. The bronze medalist from the last World Championships in Cairo, Egypt, got the better of Russian Liaskalo Sofia (0-0) by judges' decision.
It is worth noting that Algeria is represented at this event by seven athletes (4 men and 3 women). Besides Ouikène and Abouriche, the team also includes Rayane Sekouar (-50 kg), Hocine Daikhi (+84 kg), Anis Helassa (-67 kg), Faleh Midoune (-84 kg), and Oussama Zaid (-75 kg).
They will be stepping onto the Roman tatamis shortly, with a spot on the podium in their sights.
