MANILA, Philippines - Jet ski champion Paul del Rosario bucked the rough waters and bested the field to capture the Pro-Am Runabout Open crown in Thailand King’s Cup - World Cup Jet Ski Grand Prix at the Jomtien Beach in Thailand recently.
Del Rosario ruled the first three moto races and checked in second behind Japanese Toshi Ohara, 16, and a former junior world champion, in the final moto 4 to seal the crown.
Kuwaiti expert jet ski world champion Abdullah Alfadhel came in third.
Jet ski legend Nicolas Ruis of France won the Pro Open crown.
“It’s the first time the Philippine flag was waved on a victory parade here. The event has become more competitive and ironically, the young riders gave me a tough time. I was once in their shoes being a former jet ski whiz kid,” said Del Rosario, whose campaign is sponsored by Petron Corp., Manila Cordage, Quakysense, Stoked Inc., Networx Jetsports and Kaswa Industries.
Like last year, Del Rosario was a top favorite among Thai spectators and was even treated like an “adopted son of Thailand” after he was presented as a half-Thai competitor.
“I thank the people of Thailand and the organizing TJSBA for the warm welcome and support. And also my dad Bobby and the Rius Racing Team for helping me and the world governing IJSBA for supporting the event,” Del Rosario added.
The annual Jet Ski King’s Cup is considered one of the most important competitions on the pro jet ski calendar.