Tough battle up in World Slasher slated

MANILA, Philippines - A wide-open battle again is expected as top cockers from around the world gather in the country to compete in the mid-year edition of the World Slasher Cup set at the Smart Araneta Coliseum from May 27 to June 2.

Topnotch bets try to redeem themselves from upsets by unheralded competitors last January where three lesser lights emerged as co-champions.

Vergil Ali Intino of Butuan City (Taligaman Warbirds LDI), the Chicago-based Oribello brothers and Malaysian Mark Salazar (MS Summit PT MM JS) are all back, looking for rare back-to-back championships.

Three-time winner Rey Briones was the last to achieve successive World Slasher Cup victories.

Ray Alexander, Wilbert LeBlanc, Richard Harris and James Campbell banner the large US contingent, out to be the first American to rule the event since Joe Wolcott, Larry Whitehead and Joe Sanford.

The Oribello brothers, meanwhile, lead the Fil-Am entries including Jorge Torres (Cucamonga), Greg Berin, Will Kolet, Jorge Goitia, Butch Cambra and Zosimo Antovi.

The Oribello brothers were the first Fil-Ams to go home with the WSC crown since the Chicago group of Rolly Gabon (MJRG), California’s Rodel Costalles (Spoiled sa Amo) and Torres top scored with seven points apiece in 2009.