Pauline Lopez falls to Chinese foe, settles for Asian Games bronze in taekwondo

Pauline Lopez settled for the bronze medal in the taekwondo women’s under-57kg event in the 2018 Asian Games Tuesday at Jakarta Convention Center in Indonesia.

The 22-year-old Lopez, who won the Philippines’ fourth bronze medal overall, bowed to Luo Zongshi of China, 11-4, in the semifinals.

Lopez, the 2015 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, steamrolled her way to the semis after dominating Gyani Chunara of Nepal, 20-0, in the quarterfinals and Xiao Feng of Macau, 8-0, in the Round of 16, but the taller Luo offered a different challenge.

Frustrated, Lopez couldn’t hide her disappointment over the loss.

“I had the chance but the plan didn’t work according to what it should be. I was going for it, I did my part but it’s just it was not there for me,” said Lopez.