Tuesday, October 10, 2006 Karatedo team cuts training for world championship in Finland
EIGHT members of the Philippine Karatedo team will leave for Finland today for the World Karate Championships on Oct. 12 to 15.
The six members—Bernardo Chiu, Mae Soriano, Junel Perani, Irene Toribio and Southeast Asian Games (Seag) gold medallists Ma. Marna Pabillore and Nelson Pacalso, who are currently in Italy—will join compatriots Gretchen Malalad, a three-time Seag gold medallist, and Cebu’s Noel Espinosa for the four-day meet.
Japan
Both Malalad and Espinosa are currently training in Japan, which is noted as the best in kata.
The team will hook up with Philippine Karatedo Federation president Edgardo Ponce in Finland for a two-day rest before the tournament opens, which also coincides with the World Congress.
Ponce earlier said they will use their performance in the World Championships as their gauge on what target to set for the Asian Games in Doha this December.
One gold
Karatedo is eyeing just one gold in Doha, but if the team pulls an impressive performance in the World Championships, Ponce said they may go for more.
The World Championships is the team’s first international exposure before the Asiad after it missed out on the German Open due to visa problems.
After the world tourney, the team will join the Italian Open for further tune-up before going to Qatar. (JAF)
