Morrison eyes world taekwondo medal finish

SAMUEL Thomas Morrison vies for another medal finish when the Smart Taekwondo Team competes in the 2012 World University Taekwondo Championships from May 25 to 30 in Pocheon, Korea.

This time, Morrison hopes to pick up a gold in the featherweight division after settling for a silver in last year’s tournament in Shenzen, China.

Delegation head Anna Dominique Coseteng and team leader Victor Emmanuel Veneracion said the tournament, which pits the best varsity jins in the world, will help the Filipino team prepare for the World Cup Championships set this November in Santa Cruz, Aruba.

Joining Morrison in the men’s team are Ralph Erick Bunda (fin), Justin Benedict Medina (fly), Paul Romero (bantam), Ron Servito (light), Christian Al dela Cruz (welter) and Kristopher Robert Uy (middle).

Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Kristie Elaine Alora (middle) leads the women’s campaign along with Mary Anjelay Pelaez (fin), Ma. Isabella Erika Mora (fly), Karla Jane Alava (bantam), Jade Zafra (feather) and Jane Rafaelle Narra (welter).

Vidal Marvin Gabriel, Shaneen Ched Sia, Patricia Mae Sembrano and Leonarda Nicole Landrito will also see action in the poomsae event.

Roberto Cruz and Dindo Simpao will mentor the team backed by the MVP Sports Foundation, Smart Communications, Inc., PLDT and the Philippine Sports Commission, while Jesus Morales III will be among the international referees. Jasmine W. Payo