Cobra Phl rowers off for 3-peat bid

MANILA, Philippines - The Cobra Philippine Dragon Boat Federation team left for US late Monday night, ready to do battle against the best rowers in the world and defend crown for the third straight time in the 10th International Dragon Boat World Championship in Tampa, Florida.

Training on longer distance courses, the Cobra-PDBF paddlers, who won the men’s 200-meter race in record-breaking fashion in the last two editions of the world tilt, are out to add the men’s 500m, 1000m and mixed 500m titles to their medal collection.

Cobra-PDBF coach Nestor Ilagan said the team is prepared for the challenge, having trained on extended distances and rowing thrice a day from Manila Yacht Club to Manila Ocean Park with premium on speed.

“We’ve trained hard for this and anticipated all possible conditions at sea,’” said Ilagan.

In the 2007 world championships, the PDBF won the gold in the men’s 200m in Sydney, Australia and set a world record of 42.16 seconds.

The team successfully defended its title two years later in Prague, Czech Republic, erasing its old record and setting a new mark of 40.02 seconds. The Philippines also won the mixed division 200m in the 2009 world championships.

Tipped to challenge the Philippines’ title-retention bid are Canada, US, Germany, China, Australia and Czech Republic.

“These countries are the strong contenders for the title in both short and long distances,’’ said Ilagan, who remains confident of his team’s chances.

The 25-man squad’s campaign is sponsored by Cobra Energy Drink and Philippine Airlines.

“We are pleased that Cobra-PDBF now has the opportunity to win more titles, set more world records and bring more glory and honor for our country,’’ said Mike Ngo, Asia Brewery’s AVP for marketing, media and budget.

The Cobra-PDBF Race Updates in Florida, USA is aired daily starting today on Studio23 at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. during weekdays and at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m. on weekends.

The team is composed of Philippine Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard personnel plus the best civilian women paddlers.