178 cockers vie in World Slasher

MANILA, Philippines – A fat paycheck will be up for grabs as a total of 178 cocker-breeders from around the world has confirmed participation in the 2010 World Slasher Cup-2 Hawaiian Invitational Eight-Cock Derby starting at 12 noon tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum.

Sonny Magtibay, winner in the Bakbakan 10-Stag National Derby and in the 2010 World Slasher Eight-Cock International Derby early this year, once again parades his prized fighting cocks, gunning for a third major title.

Renowned Filipino breeders defending the home front in the five-day derby include Sonny Lagon, Nene Abello, Boy Marzo, Dicky Lim, Otec Geroso, Baham Mitra, Jesry Palmares, Joe Laureño, Cito Alberto, Honey Yu, Boy Lechon, Pol Estrellado and Honey Yu.

Bernie Tacoy, Pol Estrellado, Boy Jiao, Boy Tuazon, Pao Malvar, Joey Sy, Tol and Lino Mariano, Jun, Bong and Bobot Tan, Lawrence Wacnang, Manny Dalipe, Mayor Bobby Clemente, Victor Sierra and Bebot Monsanto have also confirmed their participation.

During the press conference at Gateway Suites in Gateway Mall in Cubao yesterday, the Filipino bets said they are determined to win the latest edition of what has been generally considered as “The Olympics of World Cockfighting.”

Hosted by Pintakasi of Champions and co-presented by Thunderbird, the eight-cock derby drew a formidable contingent from Hawaii called “Hula-Slashers.”

The group includes Mike Formosa, Chris Balmores, Paul Romias, Chris Casilan, John McEnroe, Rolly Bantam, Chris Burgest, Butch Cambra, Puna White, Isaac Manalo, Kali Casco, Matthew Leong, Willy Casco, Miles Oyasatu, Howard Inafuku, Jaz Takeusi, Jace Kanemoto, and lady cocker Tuesday Barredo.

With the big number of entries, the event has been extended to five days with the two-cock preliminaries set tomorrow and Tuesday, the semifinals on Wednesday and Thursday and the finale on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Reynante Facun from Luzon, Christian Tamayo from the NCR, Juanito Sudario from the Visayas and Edwin Toe from Mindanao were the grand winners in Thunderbird’s “Bigtime Ka sa World Slasher Cup” raffle promo.

Being the winners, these four, together with their companions, will be VIP guests during the World Slasher Cup.

Details: Boy San Pedro or Dong Lamoste at 911-2928 or 911-3101 loc. 8361 or 8351.