Olympic hopefuls lead Smart taekwondo cast

MANILA, Philippines - Olympic hopefuls, led by the brother-sister duo of Japoy and Jyra Lizardo, and upcoming jins will show their wares on July 30-31 when the Philippine Taekwondo Association stages its biggest annual team event – the 34th SMART national championships – at the Makati Coliseum.

Around 2,000 fighters are expected to suit up for crack teams from different regions like ARMM, CARAGA, CAR and NCR and all PTA chapters led by last year’s champions UST-Black, University of the East and the D’Club, and all branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as well as the Philippine National Police.

For the first time, the PTA will use an electronic scoring system called the PSS (Protective Scoring System) to eliminate human error and upgrade competition in the senior and junior divisions.

The scoring system is currently being utilized by the World Taekwondo Federation in the world championships, according to organizing committee chair, Grand Master Sung Chon Hong.

The prestigious event sponsored by SMART Communications, PLDT, Milo, Philippine Sports Commission and MVP Sports Foundation will feature competition in six divisions, namely, senior, junior and gradeschool (boys and girls). Each team will be composed of five players and two alternates.

Olympic aspirants and members of the national team will see action for their respective home teams.

These include Japoy and Jyra Lizardo, who will don the De La Salle University colors, and Marlon Avenido and Jade Zafra, who will lead University of Santo Tomas.

Among the other contending teams are Ateneo, CSB, UE, FEU, LSGH, Lyceum, Letran, San Beda College, Don Bosco Makati, Team Baguio, Negros Taekwondo Union, UTA-Makati, DPS, Olympia, TUP, DLSZ, CEU, VAS Gym, Las Piñas Gym, Philippine Navy, Air Force, Army and Central Gym.

Martial arts enthusiasts and other sports fanatics including children who are interested in the sport are invited to watch. Elimination matches will start at 9 a.m. while the opening ceremony will be held at 1 p.m.