In aftermath of Go’s loss, better scoring method sought

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Taekwondo Association said it would support fully any move to revolutionize the sport’s scoring system. The decision was underscored by Tshomlee Go’s loss Wednesday, a defeat Robert Aventajado found hard to accept. “I just could not understand why the judges failed to give points to Tshomlee," the PTA president said. “Nabawasan pa nga ng isang puntos ang kalaban dahil sa pag-atras at kapag tinatamaan nga siya ay nayayanig." It was a déjà vu of sorts for Go, whose loss in the 2004 Athens Olympics, Go’s Olympic debut, was blamed partially on errant officiating. In Beijing, Aventajado saw a few of Go’s hits connect, including an axe kick to his Australian foe’s head that would have counted for two points and turned the match in Go’s favor. “We are very proud of Tshomlee and for us, he is the champion," Aventajado said. “But at the end of the day, we have to accept the decision no matter how painful it is." One move the International Taekwondo Federation is mulling is to place electronic gadgets on the body armor to limit human intervention. “It’s similar to fencing where points will be given once the sensors are hit. We will be supporting moves to limit judging errors whether it is deliberately done or not," Aventajado said. Now, the PTA now pins its hope for a medal in Toni Rivero who competes in the women’s welterweight division Friday. “She saw Tshomlee fight and our prayers is that Toni be spared from this kind of officiating," Aventajado said. – GMANews.TV