Barbados Excels at 2024 International Karate Daigaku World Cup in Guyana: Highlights & Results

At the 2024 International Karate Daigaku (IKD) World Cup, which continued on Friday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in Georgetown, Guyana, Barbados kept up their impressive performance.

National black belts competed on day two of the competition in individual Kata and Kumite contests on the tatami against some of the world’s best, showing remarkable results across a range of age groups.

In the highly competitive 20-39 male Kumite division, Sheridan Greaves demonstrated his exceptional ability by winning both of his bouts, securing a spot in the semi-finals where he will face Liam Gilbert of Trinidad and Tobago.

Meanwhile, Nicholas Blackman and Joseph Tseu faced early exits in the first round. However, Tseu made a remarkable comeback in the Kata event, advancing to the final after a stellar performance, while both Greaves and Blackman were eliminated in the first round of the Kata competition.

The women’s 20-39 age group also saw strong representation from Barbados. Ayesha Harewood and Shannan Skeete both advanced to the final eight in the Kata competition, showcasing their technical skills and precision.

In the Kumite semi-finals, Harewood is set to face Caitlyn Sachkowski of Canada, while Skeete will go up against Chelsea Mohan of Trinidad and Tobago, promising thrilling encounters.

Delano Allsopp continued Barbados’ impressive run, making it to the final of the 17-19 male Kata category. In the Kumite division, Allsopp will contend with William Grant of Trinidad and Tobago in the semi-finals, aiming to secure another medal for his team.

In the younger age brackets, Barbados’ Ziede Greaves advanced to the final eight of the 11-13 boys Kata. Greaves also progressed to the Kumite semi-finals, where he will face Omar Shariff of Guyana.

Unfortunately, Kieron Viren was eliminated in the Kumite competition but remains a strong contender in Kata.

The 14-16 male division saw Zarek Greaves, Raphael Alexander, and Nasir Cadogan all advance to the final eight in Kata. In the Kumite semi-finals, Alexander and Ramario Yearwood will represent Barbados, with Alexander set to face Jaycob Lezama and Yearwood matched against Xavier Millette, both of whom are from Trinidad. Greaves and Cadogan were unable to progress past the elimination rounds in Kumite.

Erynn Nelson showcased her versatility by advancing to the final six in the 14-16 girls Kata and securing a spot in the Kumite semi-finals, demonstrating the depth and talent of Barbados’ young karatekas, one of the most competitive national teams at the fourth edition of the IKD World Cup. (AS)