"I want to become a Grand Winner"

The final in Cairo marked the third time in three events this year that Lau faced Japan’s Maho Ono. The two athletes have dominated the season, meeting in the final of every Karate 1-Premier League event so far, with Ono winning the opening event in Paris, but Lau taking two wins in a row.

“I feel amazing and I’m very emotional right now,” Lau said after the match. “It’s my first time winning gold medals back-to-back.”

Lau’s performance in Cairo was sharp and controlled, showing both precision and calm under pressure. It was significant for her as the venue will also host the next World Karate Championships.

“This is very special to me because the next World Individual Championships will also be here in Cairo,” she said. “I am very happy with my performance and for all the support I had from the stands.”

RIVALRY FOR THE AGES

The rivalry between Lau and Ono has become one of the highlights of the Female Kata division this season. Both athletes are engaging in a memorable quest for supremacy in a demonstration of perseverance and domination of the division.

“I’m very grateful to have a good opponent because she also pushes me further,” Lau said.

The quest to become Grand Winners will be thrilling in this category, as the title will most likely be decided in the final event in Rabat.

“The Karate 1-Premier League Rabat will be very interesting because a week before Rabat will have the Asian Championships,” she explained. “So I might clash with Maho first before Rabat.”

“I really want to become a Grand Winner this year,” she said. “I am looking for a better performance every time, to have a better mentality, and a better grace in the tatami.” 

With her victory in Cairo, Lau now moves one step closer to that goal. The final event in Rabat will likely decide the Grand Winner title, and with Lau and Ono expected to face off again, the season’s biggest rivalry is far from over.