Syakilla reaches historic World Karate final

Malaysia's karate exponent Syakilla Salni Jefry Krisnan (left) jubilates after beating her Uzbekistani opponent at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games to win the women's U-61kg kumite gold medal. - Filepic

PETALING JAYA: Asian Games gold medallist Syakilla Salni Jefry Krisnan made a historic breakthrough for Malaysia by reaching the women’s kumite below 61kg final at the World Karate Championships in Bremen, Germany.

Syakilla, who was only given clearance by the doctor to compete a few days before the team’s departure to Bremen, pulled through on the judges’ decision in Thursday’s semi-finals against Tunisian Hasnaoui Bouthein, the bronze medallist at the last championships in Paris in 2012.