World number one e-kata player James De los Santos (Photo from James De los Santos Facebook account)
MANILA – Filipino karateka James de los Santos has once again captured an e-kata gold, ruling the Sportdata E-Tournament World Series #2.
De los Santos edged Romanian opponent Andrel Nedelcu, 24.3-24, in the finals on Friday.
He defeated William Tran of Sweden in the first round, 25.4-24.3; Markus Hecht of Germany in the Round of 16, 24.5-23.2; Cornelius Johnsen of Norway in the quarterfinals, 24.5-23.4; and Silvio Cerone-Biagoni of South Africa in the semifinals, 24.9-24.1.
World No. 2 Matias Domont of Switzerland did not participate in the event, which means Cerone-Biagoni, the World No. 3, can move up to second with his semifinal finish.
Interestingly enough, Sportdata announced the result of the de Los Santos-Nedelcu match just as de los Santos, a La Salle alumnus, was attending the awards night of Gawad Lasalyano.
An eight-time national champion, two-time Southeast Asian Games bronze medalist, and two-time world shotokan champion, he was given an award for sports excellence.
"Thank you again to my alma mater, De La Salle University - Manila, for the award and recognition!" he said on Saturday upon announcing the result of his match against Nedelcu. (PNA)
