Rubi was trailing Aguilar, who was fresh from a victory in Macau in the first heat as Jovie Saulog came out third among the pro riders competing in the whole-day competition.
Rubi tried but failed to stage a comeback in the second and final heat as the muddy race track took a toll on him, paving the way for Saulog to ran past him as Aguilar went on to win the crown.
Popeye's father, Pepo, who was also racing again with the rest of the pros, ended his bid at sixth place. - Caecent O. No-ot