Jopson and Bascon lead winners in Danao Sport Classic

Veteran triathlete Nonoy Jopson and Grace Bascon claimed the top honors in their respective divisions in the National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) series in Danao City yesterday.

Jopson, the national record holder in Philippine triathlon, finished the 1,500-meter swim, 40-kilometer bike and 10-kilometer run event in one hour and 52.55 minutes to win the men's elite title while Bascon ruled the distaff side in 2:28:06.

Actually, it was Gerrie Calinawan of University of the Visayas (UV), who breasted the tape first, registering a time of 1:42.19.

But Calinawan was entered as a guest athlete as he is already snatched the series title last year.

Little-known Neil Catiil trailed Jopson in 1:59.54 as Rene Joseph Balbuena wound up third in 2:00.19.

Dec Rowan Fernandez of Abellana National School clocked 2:00:35 for fourth.

The fifth to 10th placers were Ronaldo Biagan (2:02.58), Trino Transmonte (2:06.08), Neil Reyes (2:07.32), Frederick Pahanonot (2:08.39), Mark Ugbinar (2:11.58) and Rodolfo Verdidia (2:18.04).

In the distaff side, it was Grace Bascon who dominated the action in 2:28.06.

Lovelenell Casidsid placed second in 2:38.18, outsmarting Joan Manaloto, who finished in 2:44.43.

Jopson and Bascon didn't just win the overall crown as they also reigned in their respective brackets with Jopson in the 30-34 years-old category and Bascon in the 20-29 class.

Neil Catiil upset Rowan Fernandez for the top post in the 19-below while Rene Joseph Balbuena ruled the 20-24 class, Mark Ugbinar in the 26-29 divisions, Ronaldo Biagan in the 35-39 class and Nicario Rivas in the 45 class while the women's open third placer, Joan Manaloto had the 30-above title.

The relay action saw Ronel Dizon's team winning the relay over Oliver Oliverio's squad in the event organized by the Danao City Sports Commission and Triathlon Association of the Philippines.

Meawhile, Jovani Delica showed his readiness for the coming Tour Pilipinas after defeating top local cyclists in class A of the Mayor Ramon Durano III Summer Swim, Cycling and Running Classic.

Delica beat Robert Villaver, another Manila-bound cyclist, in yesterday's road race covering Danao and Logo and back.

Nilo Barbalose and Jaybop Pagnanawon, who will be Villaver in the Tour, placed third and fourth, respectively, while Randy Carbonera ended fifth.

Norberto Daan topped class B over Ian Colina while the third to fifth placers went to Tyre Lambo, Orlan Toring and Jovert Duran.

In class C, it was Dennis Berlin, who took away the first place honors over Ramey Villaver and Berdon Marcelo.

Juan Tingco also grabbed part of the limelight after coming out the fastest among the golden boys.

Behind Tiongco were Gary Fernandez and Robel Delica.

In the swimming competition, it was Felix Bohol, who crossed the finish line first among all open division contenders.

Jason Toledo ended second while Jovert Atillano was third.

In the high school level, the top three winners were Marwin Quimpo, Sonnyboy Quimpo and Raynard Bataluna.

On the other hand, John Philip Duenas, Richard Vincent Sabas and Juphet Rivera reigned in their respective divisions in the running competition.

In the 5-k open class, Duenas out-sprinted Jude Rivera while Gilbert Cimafranca was third.

Richard Sabas dominated the high school level while Venerando Arresgado came out second and Jose Moneva was third.

In the elementary action, which covered 3-k, Juphet Rivera prevented Mark Joel Jaurez from winning the title as Jeric Banzon ended third.