Quintero’s triumph in the World Karate Federation’s flagship class of competition was mirrored by fellow Spanish karateka Sandra Sanchez, whose victory in the female Kata final meant she also completed a "triple crown" of Dubai wins.

Spain’s prospects are looking highly promising ahead of this year’s hosting of the World Championships in Madrid from November 6 until 11 – a crucial staging post before the sport makes its long awaited Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020. 

Quintero, the World ranking leader, executed a brilliant "Suparinpei" kata to win the bout by split decision 3-2 at the Al Wasl Club sports hall.

"I think I made a good kata," he said.

"I focused on myself, not on my opponent and I just wanted to enjoy being on top of the tatami.

"I am very pleased with this victory.

"Obviously, he is Kiyuna the world champion, but I take him as one more rival as we have a long way ahead of us.

 "I think I should buy a house here in Dubai because it seems that people really like me here!

“The important thing for me is to continue the progress ahead of the big goals we have this year, the European Championships, and, of course, the World Championships in Madrid."

Sanchez delivered an impressive performance against Hong Kong’s Mo Sheung Grace Lau in the female kata final, emerging the winner by unanimous decision 5-0.

The world ranking leader performed a brilliant "Papporen" kata to win her 24th straight medal in international competitions.

"I am especially thrilled by this gold because since the start of this year we can see that the competition is getting harder and harder," Sanchez said.

"I feel very proud because reaching this podium has a special meaning for me.

"I just hope that my [medal] streak continues!

 "Dubai is like a second home to me. 

"Everything started for me here.

 "A few years ago, in 2014, when I was not in the national team, I came to the Dubai Open on my own.

"Then, I got noticed and I started getting capped for the national team.

"Since then, I started having opportunities to participate at the highest level.

"So, it is very special for me to come back here and take gold."

In addition to the Spanish kata gold medallists, other Grand Winners Serap Özçelik of Turkey, Xiaoyan Yin of China and Japan’s world champion Ayumi Uekusa were among the big winners in the second stop of the season for karate’s top series.

Özçelik defeated Eirin-Christina Kavakopoulou of Greece in the female kumite under 50 kilograms final final to reach the top of the podium for the first time this year.

Yin, winner of the first Karate 1-Premier League this season in Paris, followed suit in the female kumite under 61kg and claimed her second gold medal this year after beating Jovana Preković of Serbia by a slim "yuko" to earn a 1-0 result.

Ayumi, recovering her form after an early exit in Paris, defeated Anne Laure Florentin of France in the female kumite over 68kg final.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan idol and five-times world champion Rafael Aghayev, a silver medallist in Paris, went one better in Dubai as he overpowered Gabor Harspataki of Hungary in the title-deciding bout of the male kumite under75kg.

Italy’s Sara Cardin’s impressive 3-1 victory in the female kumite under 55kg over Germany’s Jana Bitsch; France’s Alizee Agier outstanding 5-0 triumph over Halyna Melnyk of Ukraine in the female kumite under 68kg and Turkey’s Eray Şamdan 2-1 victory in the male kumite under 60kg were other of the highlights of the thrilling day.

France’s Marvin Garin in the male kumite under 67kg, Egypt’s Ahmed Elmasry in the male kumite under 84kg and Enes Erkan of Turkey in the male kumite over 84kg also enjoyed success in Dubai.

Turkey topped finished top overall with seven medals, including three golds.

The Karate 1-Premier League is now due to travel to Rotterdam in The Netherlands for the third stop of the first-class karate events which will be held from March 16 to 18.