42 RP jins vie in World taekwondo

Forty-two athletes make up the Petron taekwondo team that will see action in the 2004 World Taekwondo Hwarang Festival set today until June 25 in Jincheon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea.

Broken down into six categories, these are:

Senior men—Gilbert Balancar, Melvin Morte, Arnold Oglayon, Michael Angelo Realista, Djerome Reyes, Chris Raymundo Hernandez, Elvino Romero, Danrey Velo, Reginald Cruz, Billy Joel Coral, Anthony Moben Angeles and Albert Cusi.

Senior women—Ana Kristyl de Leon, Maria del Carmen, Elvira Galvez, Azalea Nucup, Katrina Oliveros, Rani Ortega, Renee Ortega, Alma Michelle Punzalan and Nicole Dominique Wuthrich.

Junior men—Nurhakim Udah and John Robert Burbano.

Junior women—Ma. Carla Janice Lagman, Jenefer Tayag, Cathy Jayne Hampac and Kharzma Handang.

Gradeschool boys—Fernand Deliz, Joshua Ira Dizon, David Yuson Jr., Rolf Gagujas, Louie Velasquez, Julio Rafael Marasigan, Rannie Mercado, Karlo Martin Robles, Julius Loren Dominado and Nino Patrick Ivan Ferrer.

Gradeschool girls—Marifi Violeta Gadit, Christine Ana Marie Rubio, Korinah Marie Natura, Cristine Joy Benedictos, Geneve Castillo and Everlasting Ian Felomina Juarez.

Philippine Taekwondo Association president Robert Aventajado is confident that "our athletes will do well despite the opposition from 59 other countries."

PTA vice president Sung Chon Hong adds "that our athletes are well-trained and determined to win medals. After all, the Philippines has always been rated among the top contenders in this event.

Tem Igor Mella heads the Petron squad, which is also sponsored by PSC and Accel. The other officials are coaches Cesar Mateo and Chan Woo Lee and delegates Randy Macaraig, Louie Rubio and Raul Luna.