Erman Eltemur "proud to fight" Rafael Aghayev

Turkey's Erman Eltemur has paid tribute to Azerbaijan's Rafael Aghayev after he beat the home favourite in the karate qualification round at Baku 2015.

Aghayev entered Crystal Hall 3 to a rousing reception on Saturday morning, but was stunned in his -75kg kumite bout as Eltemur won 5-3 on his way to the semi-finals.

However, the Turkish competitor believes that the victory ranks among his best in the sport.

He told reporters: "I love [Aghayev] like my brother. I'm so proud to fight him.

"He is the idol and one of the best in the world. It's an achievement that I have never known before. It is the best of my life."

Aghayev still managed to qualify for the semi-finals with a win over Latvia's Ruslans Sadikovs to finish second in Pool A.