Smart national jins hone up in Korea

MANILA, Philippines - Members of the Smart national taekwondo team and the poomsae squad are now undergoing exclusive training in Korea in preparation for the upcoming 26th Southeast Asian Games in Jakarta and the Asian Qualification Tournament for the 2012 London Olympics on Nov. 4-6 in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Filipinos sharpen their skills in the best Korean taekwondo schools and gyms such as Pung Saeng School, Yong In University, Sang Moo Military Varsity and the Samsung professional gym, which has produced world champions.

Coaches Kim Hong Sik and Dindo Simpao (sparring) and Tem Igor Mella (poomsae) head the delegation which left recently.

The athletes are:

Sparring (male) – John Paul Lizardo, Marlon Avenido, Samuel Thomas Harper Morrison, Jose Anthony Soriano, Jeffrey Figueroa, Paul Romero, Christian Al dela Cruz, Alexander Briones, Devy John Singson, Kristhoper Robert Uy, Keno Anthony Mendoza and Joaquin Mendoza Jr.

Sparring (female) – Jyra Marie Lizardo, Leigh Anne Nuguid, Jade Zafra, Maria Cemille Manalo, Karla Jane Alava, Mary Antoinette Rivero, Kirstie Alaine Alora, Mary Anjelay Pelaez, and Ma. Isabela Erika Mora.

Poomsae (male) – Galilee Tinaya, Vidal Marvin Gabriel, Glenn Lava and Ernesto Guzman Jr.

Poomsae (female) – Shaneen Ched Sia, Francesca Camille Alarilla, Ma. Carla Janice Lagman and Rani Ann Ortega.

The Filipinos will return in two groups, one on Oct. 22 and the other on Oct. 31.

The Olympic qualifying team of two males, two females and four officials will leave for Bangkok and return to Manila on Nov. 16.

The training is supported by Smart Communications, PLDT and the Philippine Sports Commission.