Saadi records two wins before losing to Scott

KARACHI: Pakistan’s star karateka Saadi Abbas on Friday won two fights before losing to Scott Thomas of the United States in his third round in the Karate I Premier League in Dubai.

The former Asian champion started his -75kg male kumite journey in style when he defeated Tamanigaunatawamudu Tevita of Fiji 3-1 in his first round. Saadi then whacked El Sharaby Ahmed of Italy 2-1 in the next round. However, in the third round he lost to Scott 1-3.

Later Scott lost in the semi-finals that also ended Saadi’s hopes of playing in the repechage bronze medal fights. Every win fetches points for the fighters which help them in the lead up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics seats.

Dubai-based Saadi had finished seventh in the Paris Open last month.“I am not satisfied with my fight against Scott who is among top five in the world. I played for the first time against him. I made some mistakes but the two wins will help me improve my points and will help in my Olympic journey,” Saadi told ‘The News’ from Dubai.