Nat’l taekwondo tourney lures big field

The San Sebastian Taekwondo Club joins in yet again a history in the making in the field of taekwondo sports when it clashes with the best in the 2008 Smart/Petron National Inter-school Taekwondo Championships which will be held on Sept. 20 to 21 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Close to 1,500 athletes from 600 schools are expected to vie for honors in the said event.

“This event is important because it gives our upcoming athletes the chance to demonstrate the techniques and styles they have learned so far in the sport,” said Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) president Robert Aventajado.

All schools all over the country affiliated with the PTA will see action in eight divisions categorized into seniors, juniors and grade schools. Each division will feature men and women in the novice and advance groups.

Coach Jec Panotes of Team Recoletos fielded in two teams, one team each in the novice and advanced category. Each team will be allowed five players and two alternates in the competition sponsored by Smart Communications, PLDT, Petron, Adidas, Philippine Sports Commission and Milo.

Among the schools and universities participating are De La Salle University-Taft, Araneta, Zobel, Lipa and Dasmariñas, College of St. Benilde, University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, Ateneo, Far Eastern University, University of the East, San Sebastian College-Manila, San Beda Alabang, Mendiola and Taytay, Letran College, Don Bosco School of Makati and Mandaluyong, St. Theresa’s College, Lourdes School of Mandaluyong and QC, OBMC, University of Batangas, PNPA, Philippine Military Academy, Diliman Preparatory School, School of St. Anthony, St. Vincent School, UPIS and Rizal High School.

Department of Education Undersecretary Ramon Bacani will be guest of honor during the opening ceremony at 1 p.m.

Martial arts enthusiasts and sports addicts, especially children who are interested to learn taekwondo, are invited to watch the action starting at 9 a.m.

Blog Source: The Daily Tribune

Stags eye Final 4 seat

WITH no less than a Final Four berth at stake, San Sebastian College plays San Beda College in today’s make-or-break encounter in the 84 th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The Stags will actually gun for a ninth straight win that could change the entire scenario for the teams going into the next crucial phase.

Last Friday, the Stags beat the College of St. Benilde Blazers , 58-51, their eighth straight, to move into a tie with Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers at second spot behind the Lions at 9-4.

The Red Lions, meanwhile, stayed in front at 9-3 following their 91-74 drubbing of the Blazers last Wednesday.

If the Lions prevail over the Stags today, they will be assured of the first twice-to-beat bonus, while relegating San Sebastian to fourth spot.

This, in turn, will give the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers a chance to go for the second twice-to-beat incentive.

But a victory by the Stags will put them closer to a berth in the semis and a possible first finals berth for the first time in 11 years.

“At least, we still have a shot at the Top 2. Our journey does not end here with this win,” said Stags coach Jorge Gallent.

Blog Source: Manila Standard Today