SUBIC – Four-time Rider of the Year Paul del Rosario of Networx Jetsports and talented Butch Casido of Team Zouave shared honors as they bagged two titles apiece recently in the first Subic Watercross Challenge at the Waterfront Beach here.
Del Rosario stamped his class, showing intensity and endurance as he dominated both the premier Expert Runabout Open 1200 Unlimited and the Expert Ski class.
The event was supported by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) administrator Armand Arreza and deputy administrator for Tourism Raul Marcelo and sponsored by SBMA, Courtyard Inn, Gerry’s Grill, Networx Auto Detailing Intermatrix Inc., Joey4xForce and Networx Jetsports.
Casido, likewise, swept the Novice Ski class and the Novice 4-strokes division.
Del Rosario claimed the holeshot at the halfway mark before breaking away with a wide margin. He bagged the Expert Ski crown over Jam Mangio and Yanik Elnar.
He steered his Kawasaki n the Expert Runabout Open 1200 Unlimited, over the water when he completed his sweep over Mangio and Robbie David of Team Zouave.
Mangio also proved she’s the country’s ace female rider following her triumph over Abby Reyes and Valerie Siain the Women’s Runabout division.
Another Team Zouave rider Excel Torres, the current Mayor of Tigbauan, Iloilo, pull a repeat of his feat following his triumph Team Zouave’s Amiel Romero and third placer Johnny Carmelotes in the Expert 800 stock.
David also claimed his share of the spotlight with his big upset in the Expert Runabout Stock class over Yanik Elnar and top favorite and former Rider of the Year BJ Ang.
Del Rosario, Mangio and Ang will form part of the Philippine Jetski Team that will be competing in the prestigious annual Thailand King’s Cup Jetski Invitational next month.
Winning the other titles in this event organized by the Jet Sports Association of the Philippines (JSAP) under JSAP president Dong Arcilla and Race Director Joey Millionado were Team Zouave’s Banjo Bautista and Philip Crisostomo.
Bautista redeemed himself with a big win in the final race to capture the Novice 2-Strokes title over Team BOG’s Romeo Macapinlac and Pol Buendia while Crisostomo, Team Zouave’s chief mechanic, topped the Open Sport division over Mike Buendia and Ed Montecastro.
For full results and other inquiries, interested participants and other enthusiasts may call Networx Jetsports at 413-3109 for details.