UST Tigers, FEU Lady Tams score in UAAP taekwondo opener

MANILA, Philippines—Defending champions University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University opened up their title retention bids in the men’s and women’s division respectively on a bright note Tuesday in the UAAP Season 75 taekwondo tournament at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Growling Tigers handily won in their first two assignments with a pair of identical 5-2 victories over University of the East and Ateneo to grab the early lead with a 2-0 card.

Powered by Winlove dela Cerna, Season 72’s top rookie, the Lady Tamaraws made short work of the Lady Eagles, 6-1.

Reigning men’s MVP Dane Pio de Roda led the onslaught of UST, the 10-time champion which is trying to repeat its unbeaten run last year.

In other men’s results, 2010 champion La Salle whipped Ateneo, 5-2, UP stunned Season 74 third-placer FEU, 4-3, and UE gave tournament newcomer National University a rude welcoming, 6-1.

Posing as a big threat to FEU’s reign, La Salle scored a couple of shutouts after the Lady Archers blanked the Lady Warriors, 7-0, and the Lady Bulldogs, 7-0.

Behind the efforts of returning Jade Zafra, the 11-time titlist Tigresses walloped University of the Philippines, 6-1. The Tigresses are looking to bounce back from their fourth-place finish last year.

The Lady Maroons though, got back to their feet after getting staggered by the Tigresses as they delivered a 7-0 win over the Lady Eagles.

Meanwhile, NU shoots for its first men’s badminton crown against titleholder Ateneo in Game 3 of their Finals series at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.