Tigers close to keeping crown in UAAP taekwondo

MANILA, Philippines – University of Santo Tomas zeroed in on retaining the men's title after nipping De La Salle, 4-3, Tuesday in UAAP Season 77 taekwondo at The Arena in San Juan.

Light heavyweight Aries Capispisan provided the clincher for UST after he edged Gerry del Rosario, 7-6, to keep the Growling Tigers perfect in five fights.

UST also sparkled in the women's division by dealing University of the Philippines (UP) its first defeat of the season.

Behind heavyweight Jane Narra's 7-6 win over Cyrmyn Perlas in the thrilling seventh and deciding bout, the Tigresses nipped the Lady Maroons, 7-6.

Reigning champion De La Salle forced a three-way tie for first place with UST and UP at 4-1 won-lost with a 6-1 victory over University of the East.

Also providing victories for the Tigers were veterans Joaquin Mendoza, Paul Romero and Rhey Catris.

Last season’s MVP Nicole Cham, Colleen Heria and Korina Paladin also won their fights for the Tigresses against the Lady Maroons.

In other men's matches, National University beat UP, 4-3, to gain solo third with its third win in five fights, while Far Eastern University finally entered the win column after four straight defeats with a 6-1 decision over Ateneo.

The Lady Bulldogs improved to 2-3 in the distaff side with a 5-2 victory over the Lady Eagles.