UST, UP jins begin UAAP title defense

MANILA, Philippines – University of Santo Tomas and University of the Philippines open their title retention bids in the men's and women's division of the UAAP Season 78 taekwondo tournament on Monday at the Blue Eagle Gym. 

Last season, the Growling Tigers completed a six-fight sweep to recapture the men’s crown, while the Lady Maroons ended a 12-year women’s title drought.

The most successful men's taekwondo program with 12 crowns overall, UST will face tough challenge from perennial contender De La Salle and UP.    

The Lady Maroons, who won two championships in the league, are bracing a fightback from the former champion Tigresses and the Lady Archers.

The teams to watch out in the four-day tournament are University of the East and National University, which are not known as taekwondo powers but both achieved podium finishes in the men's division.

Poomsae competition is scheduled on Sept. 21, with UP defending the crown against last season's runner-up La Salle and UST.

Action in juniors taekwondo is set on the same day, with the Junior Warriors staking their title.