MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines got off to a hot start in the taekwondo competitions of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, bagging the first two gold medals at stake Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Rodolfo Reyes Jr. scored 8.349 to win the gold in the male recognized poomsae individual event, relegating Thailand’s Sengmueabg Pattarapong to the silver with 8.199, while Myanmar’s Shine Sun finished with 7.849 to settle for the bronze medal.
Jocel Lyn Ninobla made it a double celebration for the host team, edging Thailand’s Srisahakit Ornawee by a hair for the women’s poomsae recognized individual gold.
Ninobla scored 8.433 while Ornawee finished a close second with 8.432. Vietnam’s Le Tran Im Uyen settled for the bronze with 8.149.
“It was really close. I’m thankful to God for the win,” Ninobla said.
Reyes’ win more than made up for his bronze medal finish in the event in 2017 in Kuala Lumpur.
“I’m too happy to win gold. I’m very thankful for the support of the huge Filipino crowd. It’s really inspiring. Thanks to you all,” said 22-year-old Reyes. (LO/IAMIGO/CNS)
