MANILA, Philippines - The SMART/MVP Sports Foundation taekwondo squad did the country proud again by bagging 13 medals, including two golds, in the recent Korea Open championships at Chuncheon Gangwon-do, South Korea.
Junior kyorugi (free sparring) campaigner Beatrice Kassandra Gaerlan and the poomsae (forms) senior women’s team of Rinna Babanto, Jocel Lyn Ninobla and Juvenile Faye Crisostomo produced the Filipinos’ gold medals in the tough, prestigious tournament.
The SMART/MVP SF team also captured three silver and eight bronze medals in the week-long event which drew the participation of 2,500 athletes from 50 countries.
Junior kyorugi bet Rryshel Jasmin Ramirez and senior kyorugi fighter Veronica Garces and the poomsae senior women’s mixed pair of Patrick King Perez and Robiegayle Lee Navales pocketed the silvers.
The Filipino bronze winners were poomsae senior women’s individual performers Crisostomo, who was also a part of the gold-medal champion team, and Elizabeth Cesista, and junior kyorugi bets Mayn Yengele Coran, Raymundo Alombro III, Gian Carlo Gutierrez and Sal Luigi Estrada and senior kyorugi bets Jenar Torillos and Pauline Louise Lopez.
“Our athletes deserve commendations for their auspicious showing. Their long, rigorous training paid off,” said Philippine Taekwondo Association CEO Sung Chon Hong.
Gaerlan nipped a couple of Koreans in the quarterfinals and semifinals before subduing a Thai fighter, 3-2, in the gold-medal match.
The Filipinos’ participation was supported by PLDT, the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.