BAKU -- Iran's Islamic Azad University Saturday took the third title in an international karate tournament in Baku, capital of Azerbaijan.

In team competitions, Iran defeated Russia and 'Azerbaijan B', cruising into the semifinals.

The varsity team lost to 'Azerbaijan' A in semifinal and tied with Kazakhstan at No. 3.

The individual competitions start today.

Entitled Presidential Cup, the two day Baku-based international competitions started on Saturday.

Azerbaijan is hosting karatekas of Iran, Japan, Turkey, Georgia, France, Spain, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Russia.

The first- to third-placed titlists of each weight category will receive 3,000, 2,000, and 1,000 dollars respectively, IRNA reported.