The UST Tiger Jins dominated in the 2023 Philippine Taekwondo League, ruling the tournament’s kyorugi and poomsae events at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
The Tiger Jins bagged a golden double in the kyorugi event after clinching the overall titles in the women’s and men’s divisions on Oct. 9 and Oct. 15, respectively.
The UST Lady Jins, the reigning UAAP Season 85 women’s taekwondo champions, buried the NU Lady Bulldogs in the finals to capture the crown, 43-29.
Before heading to the finals, UST prevailed over De La Salle University College of St. Benilde in the knockout round and San Beda University in the semifinals.
In men’s play, the Tiger Jins toppled the DLSU Green Jins in the finals to clinch the title, 77-48.
UST overcame the Season 85 men’s taekwondo defending champions NU Bulldogs in the semifinals after defeating the FEU Tamaraws in the knockout round.
“Our games against different universities especially NU, were very challenging, but we were able to come through those difficulties and outperform them,” Tiger Jins team captain Rommel Pablo Jr. told the Varsitarian. “I think we just need to maintain our shape and focus on our stamina and health so that we can perform in our best condition sa UAAP.”
NU won silver in both divisions. FEU and SBU snagged bronze in the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively.
Lady Jin Realis Tabiando and Tiger Jin Lego Peñaredondo snagged the women’s and men’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) plums.
The Tiger Jins also won the overall title in the poomsae event after finishing the tournament with an undefeated record.
The Tiger Jins zoomed to five straight victories, rolling over Adamson University, FEU, DLSU, NU and Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
UST’s team of Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gold medalist Aidaine Laxa and Tiger Jin Dane Subaste (individual recognized poomsae), and Stella Yape and Jeus Yape (freestyle pair) then defeated University of the Philippines to complete the gold-clinching sweep.
DLSU and NU settled for silver and bronze medals, respectively.
The matches of the poomsae tournament were held on separate dates in July, August, September and October.
