Taekwondo jin Kirstie Alora falls to Cambodian for SEA Games silver

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Taekwondo jin Kirstie Alora lost for the fourth straight time since 2014 to Cambodian Sorn Seavmey in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games here on Tuesday, August 29.

The 27-year-old Rio Olympian was defeated by Sorn, 13-6, in the women’s kyorugi -73kg event at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here.

Kirstie Alora after her loss to Cambodia #SEAGames2017 pic.twitter.com/ChpGoXR5hD

— Jane Bracher (@janebracher) August 29, 2017

The 6-foot Sorn once more towered over Alora, whom the Cambodian defeated in the 2014 Incheon Asian Games and the 2016 Asian Taekwondo Championships.

Sorn, the reigning Asiad gold medalist, also overcame Alora in the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Manila in 2016. The Filipino, however, won her 2013 SEA Games gold against Sorn Seavmey’s sister Davin.

“I did my best. I’m really trying to score and get some points, but maybe I still lack follow-ups,” Alora said after the match.

The first round ended at 1-1 before Sorn opened things up at 6-3 in the second.

Kirstie Alora competing in the final against Cambodia. Round 1 ended tied at 1-1. Round 2, Alora down 3-6 #SEAGames2017 pic.twitter.com/V7sJiecnnl

— Jane Bracher (@janebracher) August 29, 2017

Alora became aggressive in the third round as the clock wound down, closing the gap at 10-5, but Sorn used her length to assert herself and secure the gold.

Alora, a 3-time SEA Games gold medalist and the country’s flag bearer for the opening ceremony this year, reached the final by defeating Lao PDR’s Sirimanotham Sonesavanh, 13-3, in two rounds after the Lao could no longer compete due to an apparent leg injury.

Laos foe down and in pain. Holding onto her right foot. #SEAGames2017 pic.twitter.com/yhgQG5K1ZK

— Jane Bracher (@janebracher) August 29, 2017

– Rappler.com