Cebuana jins shine in Asian tikefest

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebuana jins Nica Garces, Rinna Babanto and Aidaine Laxa showed power and grace to make valuable contributions to the Philippine team in the 2019 Asian Open Taekwondo Championships in Ho Chi Min, Vietnam.

Just a month from her silver finish in the Korean Open, Garces came out more aggressive this time to clinch no less than a gold medal in the Asian Open after topping the women’s 46 kgs. kyorugi or free sparring competition.

Babanto and Laxa, on the other hand, got bronze in the recognized poomsae event together with Jocel Lyn Ninobla.

It’s third time that Babanto, Laxa and Ninobla are fielded together in the team event.

All three Cebuanas are striving hard to make an impression as they hope to represent the country in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games later this year mainly at the New Clark City in Pampanga.

If they make the final cut, it will be the first time for both Laxa and Garces, and the fourth time for Banato to don the Phl colors in the SEA Games.