UST targets twin judo titles

MANILA, Philippines – University Santo Tomas seeks another golden double when the UAAP Season 78 judo tournament kicks off Wednesday at the La Salle-Greenhills gym.

The Growling Tigers swept the men’s and women’s championships in three of the last four years and the España-based judokas are tipped once more to reign in the league.

With MVP Al Rolan Llamas leading the way, UST collected 45 points to dethrone Ateneo, which finished second place with 43, in the men’s division last season.

The Tigresses banked on MVP Annie Ramirez and Princess Lucman to win the women’s championship with 42 points, beating the Lady Eagles in the process with 32 points.

The two-day event will start at 8:30 a.m.

Currently handled by coach Gege Arce, UST is the most successful judo program in the league, winning 11 men's crowns and seven women’s titles.

In the juniors division, Ateneo is tipped to rule against UST and De La Salle-Zobel. Behind MVP Christian Clemente and top rookie Jose Ariel Querubin, the Blue Eaglets topped the high school side.