RP JINS IN WORLD TAEKWONDO CHAMPIONSHIPS

Hong Kong, Nov. 16, 1997 - The Philippines resumes its quest for its first gold medal in the world championships when a full complement of 21 joins 32 other teams in the 13th Men's and 6th Women's World Taekwondo Championships. The tilt begins today and ends November 26.

Led by 1996 championships silver medallist and South East Asian Games gold medallist Roberto Cruz, the team arrived here yesterday.

South Korean Sung Chon Hong, the Philippine-based mentor of the team, is confident that the country will succeed in it's quest for gold.

"This is a strong team and the fact that we will be coming to Hong Kong fresh from a very successful stint in the South East Asian Games gives our jins better chances than last year."

In the 1996 World Championships, the Philippines won two silver medals.