Emotional Morrison wins gold in taekwondo, avenges teammate’s loss

Samuel Thomas Harper Morrison of the Philippines battles Ardian Prayogo Dinggo of Indonesia in the finals of the men’s -74kg of the 29th Southeast Asian Games taekwondo competition. Morrisson prevailed to win the gold medal. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/SEA GAMES MEDIA POOL

KUALA LUMPUR — The Philippine taekwondo team scored a gold through an emotional Samuel Morrison but lost one after a questionable decision on Arven Alcantara Sunday in the 29th Southeast Asian Games at KLCC Hall 1 here.

Morrison, motivated by his promise to his deceased grandmother, didn’t hide his tears after blasting Dinggo Ardian Prayogo, 28-18, in the men’s 74-kilogram or lightweight division.

“Sorry,” said Morrison as he broke down before Filipino media at mixed zone. “I got very affected. I was thinking about her all day today.”

Morrison said he went to the grave of his maternal grandmother, Rosario Barrios, before flying here promising to win the gold for her.

It had almost the same level of emotions as far as Alcantara is concerned after he was disqualified in the final against hometown bet Rozaimi Bin Rozali in the men’s -68kg or featherweight.

The Philippine team were up in arms after the referee raised the Malaysian’s hand via “referee punitive declaration.”

The score was tied at 17 and with only seconds left in the third and final round when the referee arbitrarily decided the fight, which drew uproar from the big crowd.

But coach Japoy Lizardo said there were only eight ganyeums (violations) called. Ten would be automatic disqualification.

“That’s why he went for turning long kick and then fall,” said Lizardo. A fall is meted with one ganyeum.

Pauline Lopez, former champion in her division women’s -62kg, fell to Vietnamese Ha Thu Nguyen, 4-3, in the semis and settled for bronze.

The Philippines, thus, garnered one gold, one silver and one bronze on the first day of taekwondo competitions. Three more jins will action on Monday including Olympian Kirstie Elaine Alora.