SMART-Phl’s Coran takes bronze in world taekwondo

MANILA, Philippines - Mayn Yengele Coran, a 13-year-old University of Cebu student, bagged a bronze medal for the SMART National Team in the 2014 World Cadet Taekwondo Championships held recently in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Fighting in the 44-kilogram female category, Coran pulled through in her first three bouts only to fall to an Iranian, 8 points to 12, in the semifinals.

The gritty Filipino fighter opened her bid with a decisive 27-3 points victory over her Australian opponent. She followed this with a 19-1 win over a Cyprus bet and then stood her ground to nip a Russian girl, 11-10, before meeting the Iranian.

“It was a good showing for SMART national team,” said former Sen. Anna Dominique Coseteng, the delegation head.

Most of Coran’s teammates surpassed their elimination matches and advanced to the next round in the 63-country competition which featured 730 players aged 12-14.

The other Filipino entries were Hewlett San Buenaventura, Godwin Jacob Calupitan, Raymundo Alombro III, Alvan Clyde Samera, Kamalayan Latupan, Harley Vincent Santos, Cindy Arcola, Allester Fias-Ilon, Ryshel Jasmin Ramirez, Beatrice Kassandra Gaerlan and Marc Genica De Laza.

Alvin Taraya and Jeffrey Figueroa coached the SMART team which was sponsored by Smart Communications Inc., MVP Sports Foundation, PLDT, Meralco, TV5 and the Philippine Sports Commission.