COWDENBEATH fighter Elize Bauld gave a "tremendous" account of herself in Cyprus but just missed out on a medal.

The young star from Cowdenbeath Karate Club recently competed at the European Karate Championship.

Elize, fighting at 61kg, lost out in the semi-finals after a 2-2 draw was awarded to her opponent from Montenegro.

In what was her first European Championships, a bronze medal was just out of reach in an impressive showing.

Although disappointed with the result, she finished in fifth place overall and now sits at number 14 in the world rankings.

Her coach, Gordon Maxwell, commented: "A great performance but in the end a heart-breaking result.

"Earlier on in the tournament she looked as she was going to win it all as she was fighting well and looking confident but on this occasion it was not to be.

"However, it is how she now deals and responds to this but I am confident she can pick herself up and go again at this level.

"She does not have much time to think about it anyway as she has been invited to fight in Dubai as part of an elite young fighters event been held there."

Up next for the club is an invitational event in Poland which will see Elize, Ben Smith, Anna Smith, and Cole Webster all fighting for Cowdenbeath.

The tournament runs for two days and 1,200 fighters from across Europe will converge for this prestigious event.

The recent club grading was also well-attended with a very high level of karate on display.

The top three students were Elena Gay, Bison Boland, and Luke Sheils, with Elena winning the top prize for her display.

On April 15 and 16, the club has organised a weekend of karate at its martial arts centre home.

Scotland's national coach Martin Douglas will conduct a series of high level courses for young and elite level fighters with former Moroccan national coach, Mohammed Akcha.

Fighters from France, England and across Scotland will all be coming to Cowdenbeath to attended these events.

"This represents a great opportunity for the students and is testimony to the high regard and esteem the club is held in by the wider karate world," Gordon said.

The club operates out of its own purpose-built gym in Cowdenbeath with classes for all ages and abilities new members are welcome and there are still some spaces left; please contact the Facebook page.

The club is also going to be conducting a series of basic self defence classes, with further details to follow in due course.