THREE UST Tiger Judokas bagged medals for the Philippines in the 2023 Korea Open Sambo Championships in Cheonan, South Korea on Sept. 17.
UAAP Season 85 judo gold medalists Chino Sy-Tancontian and Aumaegel Cortez prevailed over their Korean opponents in the finals to top the men’s -98 kg and women’s -59 kg categories, respectively.
“This is a big boost for us in the national team,” Gerard Arce, the head coach of the Lady Judokas, told the Varsitarian. “Even if we don’t have a chance to participate in the Asian Games, we at least showed that we can contribute in the country’s pride as what we promise to fulfill all the time.”
“It is a great start for our preparation for both men and women in judo, I’m sure they will bring this victory up to the UAAP as this gives them an additional confidence boost and motivation for them to achieve more and perform better,” he added.
UST’s Troy Legaspi settled for silver in the -64 kg category after falling short against Russian world champion Alexander Chebotar in the finals. His father, Jerry Legaspi, also nabbed silver in the -88 kg category.
Former UST judokas Sydney Sy-Tancontian and Aislinn Yapp clinched gold and silver medals, respectively, while Jed Kim finished third in the stacked -79 kg category.
Tiger Judokas Janry Pamor and Cresente Navares also participated but failed to achieve podium finishes.
Pro MMA fighter Godwin Langbayan also copped silver to complete the 3-4-1 gold-silver-bronze medal tally for the Philippines. Brenn Allen L. Flores
