Twelve of the country’s top-rated jins, led by Olympic veterans Tshomlee Go and Mary Antoinette Rivero, will banner the Smart-Philippines taekwondo team in the 2009 World Championship on October 14-18 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

“Our athletes have trained long and hard for this major international event,’’ said Philippine Taekwondo Association president Robert N. Aventajado.

Aside from Athens and Beijing Olympic campaigners Go and Rivero who will compete in the under 73 kilogram and under 67 kg divisions, respectively, 10 other players will carry the national colors in the tournament supported by Smart Communications Inc. and the Philippine Sports Commission.

They are: Men – John Paul Lizardo (under 54 kg), Nicole Mapilisan (under 58 kg), Jeffrey Figueroa (under 68 kg), Marlon Avenido (under 80 kg), and Alexander Briones (plus 87 kg).  Women – Jyra Maria Lizaldo (under 49 kg), Kathleen Eunice Alora (under 53 kg), Karla Jane Alava (under 57 kg), Maria Criselda Roxas (under 62 kg), and Kirstie Elaine Alora (under 73 kg).

The team officials are Danilo Mojica II (delegation head), Raul Samson (men’s team manager), Jesus Morales III (women’s team manager), Kim Hong Sik (men’s coach), and Dindo Simpao (women’s coach).

The Filipinos have always been regarded as top contenders in the world championship, which has also drawn the participation of 142 other countries including Korea, China, France, Spain, Iran, Turkey, Chinese Taipei, and the United States.

The tourney also serves as the national team’s preparation for the 2009 Southeast Asian Games in Laos and the 2012 World Olympic Games in London.