Geisler gets one last kick at AG glory

Veteran internationalists Donald Geisler and Veronica Domingo will don the Philippine colors for one last time as they made it to the Asian Games-bound roster after the final evaluation conducted by the coaching staff Tuesday.

"We had a line-up already but due to injuries, we made some changes," said national coach Stephen Fernandez.

Middleweight Dax Morfe, a veteran Southeast Asian Gamer, suffered from a recurring injury, forcing 2005 Manila SEAG silver medal winner Alex Briones to climb a weight higher.

Lightweight Ernesto Mendoza will take up Briones’ place in the welterweight class, thus paving the way for the return of Geisler, a former Olympian and a silver medalist in the 1998 Bangkok Asiad who announced his retirement early this year.

"We have no choice but to rest him (Morfe), we don’t want to aggravate his injury," saidf Fernandez.

Domingo, a many time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, was chosen in favor of Richelle Binloan because of her experience and familiarity with the opposition.

"They have a remarkable track record, the experience and familiarity with their Asian opponents," said Fernandez. "These factors should increase our chances of winning medals in Doha."

Others who made the grade were Manuel Rivero, Jr. (feather), Tshomlee Go (bantam), JP Lizardo (fin), Criseldo Roxas (middle), Toni Rivero (welter), Elaine Alora (feather) and Sugar Catalan (fly).

The team is hoping to nail its first Asian Games gold medal following a five-bronze medal finish in the 2002 Busan Games courtesy of Go, Domingo, Dindo Simpao, Daleen Cordero and Sally Solis.

Philippine Taekwondo Association vice-president Sung Chon Hong led the final evaluation that was also attended by deputy secretary-general Noli Gabriel and Manel Sy Ycasas, Fernandez, Rocky Samson, Roberto "Bitoy" Cruz and Noel Veneracion, members of the coaching staff.