THREE sparring jins from the University of Cebu booked their trip back to the prestigious Korea Open after passing the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) National Evaluations last Thursday in Manila.
Sixteen-year old Nica Garces was once again selected to compete in the tournament which will be participated by top jins around the world together with Dineson Cañeda and Sal Luigi Estrada.
The 2016 Palarong Pambansa gold medalist, Garces is hoping to surpass her silver medal finish from last year’s tournament. Estrada, who salvaged a bronze last year, will also have another opportunity to capture the elusive gold.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that UC jins were given the chance at competing in international tournaments.
Meanwhile, Philippine Taekwondo Association Region 7 Director Tony Del Prado is confident that Garces will bag the gold this year.
“She has definitely improved,” Del Prado said. “For as long as she does not get into a very tough bracket and able to evade the stronger players in the early rounds, then she might just get the gold.”
The Korea Open is slated from June 28 to 30 in Chuncheon, South Korea.