Kiwi, HK bets top favorites in SUBIT

World No. 14 Kris Gemmel of New Zealand, along with the returning 1999 Subic champion Csaba Kuttor (No. 37 in the world) of Hungary and Canadian journeyman Julien Periard, poses a formidable challenge to defending 2000-2001 champion Lee Chi Wo of Hong Kong in the upcoming ninth Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) set June 2.

Last year’s female winner Nicole Hacket is not expected to return due to a heavy schedule in the World Cup races, but the lady to watch is Hong Kong sensation Claire Murray, who is on a winning streak after copping the first Asian Aquathlon Championships in March as well as the recently held Uni-President Triathlon cup in Chinese-Taipei.

The event, sponsored by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), SPEEDO, Asia-Pacific Insulation, POC, and the PSC, also marks the entries of Singapore-based Australians Bob Bowness, Andrew Hirst, Tamsine Barnes and David James Young. Bowness and Hirst are top-notch triathlon coaches. Japan and Malaysia still have to name their entries. Singapore is sending Bob Hwang and Mika Kume.