The Philippine Taekwondo team leaves for Copenhagen, Denmark this Sunday armed with optimism for the World Taekwondo Championships set October 14 to 18.

Bannered by Olympians Tshomlee Go (bantamweight) and Toni Rivero (light), the 12-man squad leaves this morning for Amsterdam, Netherlands where they will take a connecting flight to Copenhagen.

RP team coach Rocky expressed confidence on their medal chances this year especially with the introduction of the electronic armor that would now determine the scores of competing athletes.

It would be the first time that electronic armors will be used in the world championships, but it was already used at the Asian Championships in China last year.

“Mas gusto nga namin yung mas sensors kasi patas lang ang magiging labanan,” said Samson, who will accompany the squad along with women’s team coach Dindo Simpao.

“We’re not at all worried and the athletes are not uncomfortable using it.”

Samson added the RP team has actually trained with electronic armors in Korea.

Go, a two-time Olympian, also said medal chances will mostly depend on techniques and styles.

“Diskarte lang magkakatalo-talo, kasi nga sensors lang. Basta matamaan mo yung target, kahit na wala masyadong power, point na yun,” Go said.

Joining Go and Rivero in the team are Japoy Lizardo (fin), Jeffrey Figueroa (feather), Marlon Avenido (welter), Nicole Mapilisan (fly), and Alex Briones (middle).

Completing the squad are female jins Jyra Lizardo (fin), Eunice Alora (fly), Karla Alava (bantam), Criselda Roxas (welter), and Elaine Alora (middle).

“Pinili namin kung sino yung pinakamagaling sa pool ngayon. Our training in Korea helped the athletes in improving their skills,” Samson said.

The last time a Filipino won in the world championships was in 2003, courtesy of a bronze finish from Roberto Cruz in the finweight category. Cruz also won bronze in 2001 and silver in 1995, 1997, and 1999.