MX23RW : Monday, December 16 08:07:53| >> :600:12947469:12947469:
Commonwealth games mini header

Baku 2015 European Games

Erman Eltemur "proud to fight" Rafael Aghayev

By , Reporter
Erman Eltemur hails Rafael Aghayev as one of the best karate competitors in the world after beating the Azeri favourite in the -75kg kumite category at Baku 2015.

Turkey's Erman Eltemur has paid tribute to Azerbaijan's Rafael Aghayev after he beat the home favourite in the karate qualification round at Baku 2015.

Aghayev entered Crystal Hall 3 to a rousing reception on Saturday morning, but was stunned in his -75kg kumite bout as Eltemur won 5-3 on his way to the semi-finals.

However, the Turkish competitor believes that the victory ranks among his best in the sport.

He told reporters: "I love [Aghayev] like my brother. I'm so proud to fight him.

"He is the idol and one of the best in the world. It's an achievement that I have never known before. It is the best of my life."

Aghayev still managed to qualify for the semi-finals with a win over Latvia's Ruslans Sadikovs to finish second in Pool A.

ID:227811: cacheID:227811:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1834:
Written by
Chris O'Keefe 
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Sports Mole logo
Read Next:
Servet Tazegul: 'I do not feel pressure'
>
Read more about Erman Eltemur Rafael Aghayev Ruslans Sadikovs Karate