International medalists head Philippine cast in Asia-Pacific tiff

MANILA, Philippines - Veteran international and national campaigners will carry the Philippine colors in the 2015 Asia-Pacific Taekwondo Invitational Championships on Feb. 28-March 1 at the SM Mall in Iloilo City.

Leading the well-trained Filipino fighters are Southeast Asian (ASEAN) University Games gold medalists Francis Aaron Agojo, 2014 Asian Games bronze medalists Benjamin Keith Sembrano, Samuel Morrison and Mary Anjelay Pelaez and 2013 Southeast Asian Games gold winner Jade Zafra.

Also suiting up for the Philippines are Irene Therese Bermejo, silver medalist in the 10th World Junior Taekwondo Championships in Taipei last year, and Christian Al dela Cruz, Korea Open bronze medalist last year in Gyeongiu, South Korea.

Nine countries, led by South Korea and the United States, have confirmed their participation in the two-day tournament supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, City Government of Iloilo, Philippine Taekwondo Association, World Taekwondo Federation, SMART, SM and Milo.

Taekwondo jins from Guam, Japan, Mongolia and Vietnam will also see action in the event, which is being held for the first time.

Filipino fighters have always been considered among the leading contenders in international competitions like the Asian Games, SEA Games, world championships and Asian championships.

PTA chief executive officer (CEO) Hong Sung Chun is confident that the Filipino entries will put up a good performance before Iloilo sports enthusiasts since they have trained long and hard for the WTF-sanctioned competition.