“I’m ready and thrilled to fight. This is my biggest tournament,” said Lopez who just turned 14 last August.

The four-foot-11 daughter of former RP jin Jun Lopez battles Laila Hussaini of Afghanistan for a spot in the women’s under 46 kilogram quarterfinals.

Lopez, who is based in California, had been invited to join the United States junior trials, but opted to represent the Philippines.

A silver medallist in the US Open, Lopez also topped the international junior division of the Korean Open recently.

Also making his debut is Korean Open champion Samuel Morrison who fights the winner of the match between Airie Dan Bahadur of Nepal and Manuel Nascimento of Timor-Leste in the men’s under 74 kg. class.

Morrison, who shocked Olympic bronze medallist Byng Sup Song in the Korean Open, is drawn to meet Korean Jang Kyeong Hun in the semifinals.

RP coach Rocky Samson said the five-foot-11, 20-year-old Morrison presents a big problem for his opponents because of his unorthodox style.

“Mahirap basahin at malakas,” said Samson.

Jyra Marie Lizardo, who competes in the women’s under 49 kg. division, is the only other Filipino in action.

The 18-year-old sister of fellow RP jin Japoy Lizardo takes on Malaysian Elaine Teo.

Samson said the Filipinos received a fairly good draw.

Veteran Marlon Avenido and rookie Paul Romero won’t have to contend with the Koreans in their respective divisions.

Samson, however, named Doha silver medallist Tshomlee Go and Japoy Lizardo as among the country’s strongest gold medal bets.

Because of the electronic armor and change in scoring, Samson said they had to change strategy and tactics.

“Our players had to unlearn a lot of things. We now concentrate our kicks on the head because 3 points are earned for every hit,” Samson said.

Despite a strong grassroots program in place back home, Filipino jins have yet to strike gold in the Asian Games.

“Isang gold lang. Happy na kami,” said Samson, a former athlete himself.

Rey Bancod, Manila Bulletin