BEIJING – Taekwondo chairman Sung Chon Hong said there is a possibility Thsomlee Go could have won his first round match in the flyweight division if an electronic scoring system was put in place in the Beijing Olympics taekwondo competitions.
“I think he could have won,” said Hong, who noted some kicks by the Filipino in his bout with Australian Ryan Carneli were not counted.
“It’s not the fault of the referees or judges,” said. “If there was a mistake, it wasn’t intentional.”
He said four judges are assigned to the four corners of the mat but this does not ensure correct scoring because what one judge could see may not be within the view of the other judges.
He said two judges must push the button within two seconds to make a valid score.
He said judges normally would not push the button if they’re not sure if it was a clear hit, although the referee can stop the bout to ask the judges if they have seen the hit. With a consensus, a score could be awarded.
The system, similar to that used in fencing, will require an electronic vest where a clear hit will create a signal that will be read by the computer.
This will ensure a more accurate scoring to the satisfaction of players and spectators, Hong said.
“We have studied it during the last 10 years and I think we’ll be ready to implement it in the 2012 Olympics,” said Hong.
But even if they thought Go could have won, the Philippine coaching staff is not complaining and won’t lodge a protest.
“We lost to a better fighter,” said taekwondo president Robert Aventajado.
On Toni Rivero’s loss, he said: “No excuses. The Croatian was a better fighter at least this morning). Hindi pa panahon. (It’s not our time).”