Liam Veras took centre stage to win gold at the WKF World Youth Cup in Croatia.

The 11-year-old dominated all five of his fights on his way to the title in the under-12 under-35kg category, while brother Luca, who had just turned 10, had the chance to fight for third place.

Elder brother Luan won a bronze medal in the under-14 under-50kg category, after missing out in the earlier kata competitions.

Liam Veras won through three rounds in his kata category, but lost a semi-final to a very strong opponent from India and had to settle for fifth place after losing to a Bulgaria rival in the repecharge.

Raphael Veras said: “This tournament is included in the qualification process for the Youth Olympics next year, however the boys are still young to be considered.

“Nonetheless, all three brothers showed outstanding talent in their presentation of techniques, performing top-level combinations in kumite and kata.”