The European champion eased through to the final two days ago at Topsportcentrum Rotterdam, with Japan's Emiri Iwamoto set to provide the opposition.

Sanchez proved too good for her rival today, claiming a 4-1 victory.

Iwamoto’s defeat was only be a temporary setback for the Japanese squad, with Issei Shimbaba beating Antonio Diaz of Venezuela 4-1 in the men’s kata final.

Ayaka Tadano delivered further success for Japan in the women’s under-50 kilogram kumite event, surprising Sukatendel Srunta Sari of Indonesia by the same scoreline.

There were two further victories for Japanese karatekas.

Ken Nishimura beat Iran’s Bahman Asgari Ghoncheh in the men’s under-75kg event.

Then world champion Ayumi Uekusa edged Hamideh Abbasali of Iran in the women’s over 68kg division.

"Although I think this was not my best tournament, I am happy that I could get the gold medal," said Uekusa.

"I will try harder in the next events.

"My goal this season is to win gold in every tournament, especially in the Karate 1-Premier League and in the World Championships."

Eray Şamdan celebrated gold in an all-Turkish men’s under-60kg final.

The 20-year-old claimed a 2-0 win over compatriot Aykut Kaya to add to his recent Premier League success in Dubai.

Burak Uygur claimed a second Turkish title by beating Stefan Pokorny of Austria 2-0 in the men’s under-67kg kumite division.

His team-mate Ugur Aktaş overcame France’s Mohamed Elkotby 2-1 in the men’s 84kg final.

France's under-21 world champion Gwendoline Philippe further enhanced her reputation, with 18-year-old Frenchwoman beating Turkey’s Merve Çoban 2-0 in the women’s under-61kg competition.

The Premier League season is due continue in Rabat from April 6 to 8.