MANILA – National University’s taekwondo squad continues to build momentum after six of its athletes secured places in the UAAP Season 88 finals on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Kenneth Buevanides highlighted the Bulldogs’ strong showing in the men’s bantamweight (-63kg) division, advancing to the championship round after defeating De La Salle University’s Ron Joshua De La Llarte, 2–1 (13–2, 11–13, 4–2), in the quarterfinals and overpowering University of Santo Tomas’ Jean Sebastian Durana, 2–0 (11–0, 15–2), in the semifinals.
He will contest the gold medal against UST’s Rama Liporada, who moved past UP’s Brendan Boteros, 2–0 (4–0, 8–1).
Buevanides expressed gratitude for the support behind his success.
“I thank God, my family, my coaches, and teammates. We still have one more step—the final,” he said, adding that preparations had been strengthened due to the rescheduling of the tournament.
Joining him in the finals are Kurt Curata in finweight (-54kg) and Melbourne Lustado in flyweight (-58kg).
Curata earned his spot after a 2–0 win over UST’s Julio Zapata (10–6, 7–6) and will face Ateneo’s Michael Cabaluna Jr. for the title. Lustado also advanced after a 2–0 victory over La Salle’s Jeff Cayanan (4–2, 6–1) and will meet UST’s Jin Aljen Aynaga.
Three more Bulldogs—Kent John Banzon (-68kg), Carl Louie Ayaton (-80kg), and Cyvir Junio (+80kg)—completed the six-man finals lineup for NU.
Buevanides said the team remains focused on sweeping the finals.
“Six gold medals—that’s what we’re aiming for,” he said.
Meanwhile, five Lady Bulldogs also booked their spots in the championship round.
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