Phl-Smart vies in World University taekwondo tourney

MANILA, Philippines - Nineteen men and women will carry the Philippines-SMART Team colors in the 2014 World University Taekwondo Championships slated June 8-14 in Hohhot, China.

Led by officials Roberto Cruz, Dindo Simpao and Jean Pierre Sabido, the Filipinos will compete in the kyorugi (free sparring) and poomsae (forms) events of the tournament featuring the world’s best university athletes.

The Filipino campaigners in kyorugi are:

Men – Francis Aaron Agojo, Enrique Edgardo Mora IV, Lorenz Chavez, Arven Alcantara, Eddtone Lumasac, Christian Al Dela Cruz and Nicole Zapata.

Women – Korina Paladin, Ronnielette Balancio, Nicole Abigail Cham, Clouie Bolinas, Patricia Francesca Gonzalez and Jane Rafaelle Narra.

Poomsae – Vidal Marvin Gabriel, Dustin Jacob Mella, Raphael Enrico Mella, Juvenile Faye Crisostomo, Leanarda Nicole Landrito and Jocel Lyn Ninobla.

“It is a great opportunity and exposure for our athletes to participate in the World University championships,” said Philippine Taekwondo Association CEO Sun Chon Hong.  “It will also serve as a good preparation for our participation in the 17th Asian Games this year in Incheon, Korea.”

In the 2012 World University tourney in Pocheon, Korea, Mary Anjelay Pelaez bagged a silver medal in sparring while Leanarda Landrito and Patricia Mae Sembrano copped two bronzes in poomsae.

Landrito is hopeful of winning again for the team which is supported by MVP Sports Foundation, Smart Communications Inc., PLDT and TV5 in its week-long China campaign.