UAAP: NU, UST open taekwondo title defenses with dominant wins

NU's Nusair Lao in action in the UAAP Season 87 men's taekwondo tournament, November 19, 2024 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. UAAP MediaMANILA -- National University opened its bid for a sixth straight men's championship by posting two consecutive victories, while three-peat seeking University of Santo Tomas also made it two in a row in the women's division of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Taekwondo Tournament on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

In the fabled Malate venue where most national taekwondo meets are usually held, the Bulldogs put up a show behind reigning men's MVP Nusair Lao, Melbourne Lustado, Kenneth Buenavides, and Sturdy Jay Gilbuena.

After overpowering Ateneo, 6-1, in the opener, NU returned in the afternoon session with a 5-2 conquest of University of the Philippines.

In the women's division, the Tiger Jins made an early statement on retaining the throne.

Led by last year's MVP Laizel Abucay, UST set in motion its title-retention campaign with a 6-1 drubbing of Ateneo followed by a 6-1 conquest of Far Eastern University.

Joining the Bulldogs in the men's lead at 2-0 are La Salle and UST.

The Green Jins topped FEU, 6-1, and subdued Ateneo, 7-0, in the afternoon session. The Tiger Jins went through the wringer before beating UP, 4-3, needing to win their last two bouts to prevail, and downed FEU, 6-1.

De La Salle matched UST's 2-0 record as it prevailed over UP, 6-1, and FEU, 7-0.

NU saw its lone fight on opening day pulling off a masterful 7-0 victory over FEU.

The Blue Eagles evened their record to 1-1 following a 5-2 romp of the Fighting Maroons.

In high school action, which is played simultaneously with men and women for the first time, NU-Nazareth School opened its title-retention bid by blanking De La Salle-Zobel, 5-0.

UST took the early lead as it whipped Ateneo, 5-0, and De La Salle-Zobel, 4-1.

FEU-Diliman dismantled Ateneo, 5-0, in the other high school contest.

Action resumes Wednesday at 8 a.m.