Kurt Barbosa out of gold medal contention, falls to world champ

South Korea’s Jang Jun (Blue) and the Philippines’ Kurt Bryan Barbosa (Red) compete in the taekwondo men’s -58kg elimination round bout during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Makuhari Messe Hall in Tokyo on July 24, 2021. (Photo by Javier SORIANO / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines—Kurt Barbosa failed in his bid for glory, losing to world No. 1 Jang Jun of South Korea, 26-6, in the round of 16 of the men’s -58 kilogram division in the taekwondo competition of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at Makuhari Messe Hall.

The 6-foot Jang, the 2019 world champion, started the match strong ending the first round up, 12-1, as he utilized his two-inch height advantage against Barbosa.

Jang then continued his assault in the second with a quick succession of kicks to the head and the body to stretch his lead to, 24-6.

Barbosa is now eliminated from gold medal contention while Jang advances to the quarterfinals of the competition.

The Philippines’ lone taekwondo bet, however, still has a chance to take home a bronze medal in the repechage provided that Jang makes the gold medal match.

Jang is a five-time Grand Prix gold medalist and is seeking his first Olympic title.