SEA Games MVPSF Recap: Taekwondo

With nine total medals from the 2017 SEA Games, Taekwondo once again proved its worth as a multi-medal sport for Team Pilipinas. Out of the 16 Divisions in Taekwondo, the Philippines medaled in 9 by virtue of winning 2 Gold, 3 Silver and 4 Bronze medals.  

The nine-medal haul was highlighted by the Golds of the Men’s Poomsae Team and the Men’s Lightweight (74kg) Kyorugi Gold Medal of Samuel Morrison. Both produced sterling performances on their way to the Gold as the Poomsae team edged out the host team and Morrison won his match in dominating fashion 28-18. Morrison’s match came after a controversial decision as his teammate, Arven Alcantara settled for Silver in his match against his Malaysian counterpart.

Along with Alcantara, Rezie Alarcon and Rio Olympian Kristie Elaine Alora won silver medals. For Alora, the loss was form a familiar foe as Cambodian Sorn Seavmey once again exploited her height advantage en route to a 13-6 win in the Women’s Middleweight Division. As for Alarcon, she was unable to overhaul the early 3-6 deficit in the second round as she eventually lost 4-9.

Our Bronze medal haul was led by Olympic hopeful and Asian Taekwondo Champion, Pauline Lopez. Fighting at a heavier weight class, Lopez narrowly lost to Ha Thi Nguyen of Vietnam 3-4 in the semifinals. Francis Agojo bagged the Bronze at the Men’s Bantamweight while two bronze medals were won at the Poomsae via Rodolfo Reyes, Jr. and the Women’s Poomsae Team.

MVPSF and PTA continue to work on producing the best possible Taekwondo program as the National Team begins it preparations for various World-Level Competitions and the 2018 Asian Games.