Thai ace dominates Asian moto Phl leg

MANILA, Philippines - Thailand’s Arnon Theplib posted convincing victories in the Asian 125cc/MX2 class to lead the winners in the opening round of the 2013 FIM Asia Motocross Supercross Championship in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan recently.

The Thai ace lost to A.P. Honda teammate Jugkrit Suksripaisan in the opening moto but seized control in the third lap to anchor a 1-2 Thai finish. Tomoya Suzuki of Japan finished third.

In the final moto, Theplib took the holeshot and never looked back. Suzuki struggled in the early going where he fell to fourth spot behind Suksripaisan and the Philippines’ top rider Kenneth San Andres after the first run.

Suzuki then unleashed a furious rally in the ensuing laps to get past San Andres and Suksripaisan midway through the heat to snare second overall. Suksripaisan claimed third overall with San Andres and veteran Jovie Saulog finishing fourth and fifth, respectively, to the delight of the hometown crowd.

The event marked the 10th straight year for Mayor Edward Hagedorn and his constituents to host the Philippine leg of the 2013 FIM Asia Motocross Supercross Championship.

For details on the FIM Asia Motocross Championship and other NAMSSA events, visit www.namssa.com and the NAMSSA secretariat Facebook page.