Army paddlers rip Navy rivals in Cobra regatta

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Army turned back arch rival Philippine Navy to rule the men’s 300-meter standard race in the opening leg of the 2015 Cobra Energy Drink-PDBF Dragon Boat Regatta at the Manila Bay overlooking the Baywalk along Roxas Boulevard last weekend.

The Army paddlers, who captured the overall championship the past season, made their move in the last 100 meters to post a one-minute and 7.67-second clocking and top the event sponsored by the country’s leading energy drink, Cobra, and organized by the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation.

The Navy bets settled for runner-up honors in 1:08.87 while Triton A timed 1:09.73 for third.

Maharlika, one of the PDBF’s pioneer clubs, scored a major breakthrough by reaching the finals for the first time in more than a decade, finishing fourth with a 1:13.01 clocking.

“We really trained and prepared hard for this since we knew Navy is a strong team,” said Army skipper and national team member Staff Sgt. Usman Anterola of the close duel with their arch rivals under windy conditions and the scorching summer heat.

Navy earlier topped the women’s small boat 300-meter contest with a time of 1:23.05 in another close contest, edging Philippine Coast Guard (1:23.57) while Triton A posted another third place effort in 1:27.05, relegating Philippine Blue Phoenix to fourth (1:27.87).

Saving their best for the last race, the Coast Guard rowers secured the mixed 300-meter standard title in 1:10.53, slipping past second-place Navy (1:11.42). One Piece placed third (1:12.58) and PBP ended up fourth (1:13.17) in the regatta backed by the Manila Cultural Affairs and Tourism Bureau.

“When you see surprising teams like Maharlika doing its best, it shows that every team is inspired because we have opened the national team not only to the top squads,” PDBF president Marcia Cristobal said. “We are also looking for the best individual athletes who can represent our country in international competition.”

She added the PDBF is currently in the process of selecting the members of the Philippine team that will compete in the International Dragon Boat Federation World Championships on Aug. 18 to 24 in Welland, Ontario, Canada.

On the other hand, Angelie Ong, Cobra Energy Drink Senior brand manager, was pleased and delighted by the competitiveness shown by private clubs like Maharlika against the fancied military squads.

“Maharlika’s fighting spirit against strong teams like Army and Navy embodies this year’s Cobra’s ‘Gusto Ko Pa’ motto of powering up to next level through hard work, discipline and determination,” Ong said. “It’s fueling our passion by pushing ourselves further to achieve greater heights.”