1.
GV AND SV Start of bout with Blank (USA, White belt) and Ricciardi (Italy, red belt), with Ricciardi winning point
0.21

2.
GV AND SV Bout continues with Ricciardi of Italy scoring point
0.48

3.
SV Referee and judges confer
0.56

4.
SV AND GV Bout continues as crowd watches (2 shots)
1.22

5.
SV AND GV With Blanks lungeing at ricciardi. Blank withdraws claiming victory, slight indecision by referee but adjudicators award match to Ricciardi. Ricciardi rejoices
1.54




Initials SW



SPORT: KARATE
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Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Japan showed its supremacy in the ancient sport of karate on Saturday (29 November) by winning the fifth World Championships in Madrid. The Japanese competitors won 4 gold and 5 silver medals. Spain was second with 3 gold and 1 silver. The United States was in third place with 1 gold and 1 silver medal. In the final of the open category events next day, Ricciardi of Italy faced Blank of the USA.

SYNOPSIS: The start of the bout and it's Ricciardi in the red belt. Karate assumes a variety of forms. In this case it's San Bon Kumite--and empty-handed style of fighting which is like sparring in boxing. The first point, or ippon, in this match was scored by Ricciardi.

One of the tests of proficiency in karate is to stop an attack just short of contact. In most cases to strike an opponent results in disqualification. The only full contact blow permitted is sweeping the opponent's leg to knock him to the ground. A second ippon in this bout is scored by Ricciardi against Blank.

The sparring in karate consists of a free exchange of blows, blocks and counter-attacks. These continue until a competitor gets a fully focused blow to a special area on his opponent's body. If a competitor is swept to the ground, a punch or kick--which does not make contact--must then be made to score a point.

The time allowed for each match is two minutes. At the official end of this bout, both men had scored two points so extra time was allowed. Ricciardi of Italy then scored his winning ippon and so beat Blank of American by 3 points to 2. Karate is enjoying an international boom in popularity. Some of the sport's greatest skill is shown in what's called the waiting position-- this involves being watchful, though relaxed and always prepared for the unexpected attack