BANNERED by 37 kyorugi (sparring) and poomsae (forms) athletes, the Smart taekwondo team will vie for honors in the 10th Asean Taekwondo Federation championships that started yesterday in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

"We are optimistic our athletes will perform well in this prestigious competition," said Philippine Taekwondo Association president Robert Aventajado.

Team delegation head Sung Chon Hong echoed Aventajado’s statement, saying: "The Philippines has always been considered among the top contenders" in Asean tournaments.

Eleven countries, including Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, are also competing in the event that serves as part of the team’s preparation for the 27th Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia in November.

The Smart team entries in Kyorugi are:

Senior men – Julian Cordero, fin; Devy John Singson, fly; Elijah Marcelino, bantam; Gershon Bautista, feather; Gerry del Rosario, light; Ernest John Mendoza, welter; and Jose Anthony Soriano, middle.

Senior women – Mary Anejelay Pelaez, fin; Ma. Isabella Mora, fly; Maria Cecilia Viray, bantam; Jean Claudette Rosales, feather; Izel Carmel Masungsong, light; Charlene Casia, welther; and Jony Ann Reyes, middle.

Male junior team – Tristan Avelino, fin; Aaron Agojo, fly; Paolo Luis Jazmines, bantam; Keno Anthony Mendoza, feather; Joaquin Mendoza, Juan Paolo Cirpiano, light; Juan Miguel Ramos, welter; Joel Manuel Alejandro, light middle; and Guilliano de Dios, middle.

Female junior team – Inna Izabella Dionisio, fin; Elyzia Robin Baluyot, fly; Leigh Anne Nuguid, bantam; Charizza Camille Alombro, feather; Apriel May Solimen, light; Patricia Francesca Gonzalez, welter; and Bianca Maurice Go, light middle.

The poomsae team entries are:

Vidal Marvin Gabriel, individual junior male; Galilee Tinaya, individual senior male; Shaneen Ched Sia, individual junior female; Frances Beatrice Alarilla, individual senior female Shaneen Ched Sia, Vidal Martin Gabriel, pair poomsae; and Glenn Lava, Dustion Jacob Mella and Michael Jonathan Medina, team poomsae.