Basel title for battling Melissa

The event attracts fighters from across the globe along with senior world and European karate champions.

Melissa entered the U59kg girls section and the Under 18 year-old Female events .

First Melissa fought in the 59 kg section and enjoyed early wins over Swiss and French national fighters to then again face French opposition in the final.

A hard match followed with the score ending 1-1, but the match was awarded to the French girl on a judges decision so a silver medal for Melissa.

It was then on to the open weight section and Melissa drew the same French girl who had defeated her in the first round of the open weighted section.

However, Melissa avenged her earlier defeat and then went on to to defeat three other French fighters to set up a meeting with England in the final.

After a hard, tense fight, Melissa won with some great kicks and thus secured the 2017 title.

The team travelled home the next morning delighted with the results and her coaches fully enjoyed the experience stating: "A very good performance from Melissa in a difficult tournament which tired her but she showed great character to come back and win the Open event after the disappointment in her own section earlier on in the day.

"It's again great experience for her and hopefully she can bring these experiences back to  the other young fighters within the karate club and help their development."

Melissa is currently training towards the 2017 World championships to be held in Tenerife in late October where she will represent Scotland in what will be the biggest Under 21 year old tournament  held in the world with the lure of the 2020 Olympics attracting all the world's best young fighters to the island.

Melissa trains at Cowdenbeath Martial Arts Centre on Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, as part of the Cowdenbeath Karate Club.

The club runs most weekdays and caters for all ages and abilities, new members are welcome .