11 jinns vie in Korea 2011 world tourney

MANILA, Philippines – Eleven well-trained taekwondo athletes – six males and five females – will carry the colors of the SMART Philippine team in the 2011 world championships on May 1-6 in Gyeongju, Korea.

The Filipino fighters, the best among the current crop, are male bets John Paul Lizardo (under 54 kg), Kevin Ngitngit (under 58 kg), Paul Romero (under 63 kg), Samuel Thomas Harper Morrison (-68 kg), Christian Al dela Cruz (-75 kg) and Marlon Avenido (under 80 kg) and female entries Pauline Louise Lopez (under 46 kg), Jyra Marie Lizardo (under 49 kg), Jade Zafra (under 53 kg), Karla Jane Alava (under 57 kg) and Maria Camille Manalo (under 62 kg).

The SMART RP delegation will be led by Philippine Taekwondo Association vice president Sung Chon Hong, with Raul Samson as team manager. The other officials are Kim Hong Sik (men’s coach), Dindo Simpao (female coach) and Roland Campos (international referee).

“The world competition is a big test for our athletes, who are preparing for the World Qualification Tournament for the London Olympic Games in Baku, Azerbaijian on June 30 to July 3 and the most-awaited Southeast Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia this November,” says Hong.

The long-time PTA official adds that the Filipinos have always been regarded among the favorites in the prestigious event, which has lured 140 countries, including host Korea, China, France, Spain, Iran, Turkey, Mexico and the United States.

While in Korea, the SMART national jins will train at Dong-A University to further hone their skills. They will also have dual meets with Dong-A University and other prominent schools in Busan from May 7-16.

The team’s participation in the world championships is supported by SMART Communications Inc., PLDT and the Philippine Sports Commission.