Smart-RP jins off to Vietnam

MANILA, Philippines - Thirty-four senior and junior members of the Smart taekwondo team fly to Vietnam today to compete in the ninth ATF (Asean Taekwondo Federation) championships set June 4-7 in Hochiminh City.

The athletes, according to Philippine Taekwondo Association president Robert Aventajado, will vie in the kyorugi (sparring) and poomsae (forms) events.

Poomsae, now included in the 25th Southeast Asian Games in Laos, is being held for the first time in the ATF championships.

PTA vice president Sung Chon Hong heads of the Philippine delegation. The other officials are Kim Hong Sik and Dindo Simpao, senior coaches; Roberto Cruz and Dax Alberto Morfe, junior coaches; Team Igor Mella, poomsae coach; and Stephen Fernandez, Jesus Morales III and Ceasar Mateo, international referees.

The athletes are:

Senior men — Carlos Jose Padilla V, fin; Nicole Mapilisan, fly; Paul Romero, bantam; Jeffrey Fegueroa, feather; Samuel Thomas Harper Morrison, light; Marlon Avenido, wlter; Jose Anthony Soriano, middle; and Alexander Briones, heavy.

Senior women – Crizobelle Gayle Vargas, fin; Kathleen Eunice Alora, fly; Jade Zafra, bantam; Karla Jane Alava, feather; Maria Camille Manalo, light; Maria Criselda Roxas, welter; and Kirstie Elaine Alora middle.

Junior men – Emmanuel Moses Chan, fin; Kirk Barbosa, fly; Jeordan Dominguez, bantam; Wilson Dumo, feather; Kevin Luis Sia, light; Jude Andrew Solis, welter; Gerry del Rosario, light middle; and Francis Bambico, middle.

Junior women – Justine Mae Magdamit, fin; Leigh Anne Nuguid, fly; Lyra April Tindoc, bantam; Marigold Taculog, feather; and Apriel May Solimen, light.

Poomsae – Jonathan Rilloroza, Jean Pierre Sabido, Shaneen Ched Sia, Francesca Camille Alarilla, Galilee Tinaya and Ma. Clara Janice Lagman.