ISTANBUL

Turkish taekwondo athlete Hakan Recber clinched gold Friday at the 2022 World Taekwondo Grand Prix. 

Recber defeated Ali Alian from Sweden to take the top prize in Rome during the men's 68 kg event final.

The 22-year-old is the first Turk to win gold in the Grand Prix's male category.

Gorkem Polat from Türkiye took home a bronze medal in the men's 58 kg category.

Action will continue Saturday in the women’s 67 kg and +67kg categories and men’s +80 kg.