The reigning world champion secured gold in the women's under-68 kilogram kumite event by prevailing 5-1 against France's Alizee Agier, the 2014 champion.

Their clash was one of several high profile encounters on the first day of finals in Turkey, with France's Anne Laure Florentin clashing with the host nation's Meltem Hocaoglu in the women's over-68kg kumite event.

The home crowd at the Şehit Polis Recep Topaloğlu Sports Hall were to be left disappointed as Florentin defended the title she claimed last year in Montpellier.

"I am really happy that I could win today and that I could get this title for France," said Florentin.

"I have won two European Championships in two consecutive finals so I am extremely happy."

Italy would prove one of the most successful nations today, with two kumite titles going in their favour.

The first was earned by Luigi Busa, as the World Championships bronze medallist defeated Ukraine's Stanislav Horuna in a tightly contest under-75kg event.

His victory was swiftly followed by success for Simone Marino in the over-84kg competition, as he saw off the challenge of Turkey's Enes Erkan with two waza-ari scores.

Turkish disappointment in the kumite events would come to a halt, with the nation able to clinch three gold medals.

Burak Uygur and Ugus Aktas recorded victories in the men's under-67kg and 84 events respectively, with the pair securing wins over Russia's Alexandr Gutnik and Berat Yakupi of Macedonia.

Tuba Yakan then prevailed in the women's 55kg category, with the Turkish star defeating Sara Cardin of Italy in the final.

"I have to thank all those here today for their support," said Yakan.

"I won the European title again after doing it in 2013 and I could not have done it without the help of so many people."

Serbia's Jovana Prekovic was a surprise women's 61kg kumite winner as she defeated current World Championships silver medallist Lucie Ignace of France with a late ippon.

Her compatriot Marko Antic fell short in the men's under-60kg event as he was beaten by Latvia's Kalvis Kalnins in the final.

Spain would continue to reign in kata competitions, with Damian Quintero clinching the eighth gold medal of his career at the European Championships, across individual and team events.

A fourth individual crown was secured by beating Ali Sofouglu of Turkey in the gold medal contest.

Sandra Sanchez then extended her domination in female kata competition, as the Spanish star beat Italy’s Vivia'na Bottaro to win a third straight gold medal in the event.