World Slasher Cup semifinal under way at Big Dome

MANILA, Philippines — Cockfight champions, with two wins each so far, plunge into the semifinal round of 2019 World Slasher Cup 9-Cock Invitational Derby today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“It’s still a long way to go, anyone can wrest the title at this point,” said Pitgames CEO Manny Berbano, who provided full support to the Pintakasi of Champions (derby host).

Sta. Monica Cockpit owner Tady Palma and ‘Digmaan’ chairman Nestor Vendivil lead the cast with two entries each still unbeaten.

Other two pointers: 2017 Pitmaster champ Paolo Malvar with Ryan Esteban, veteran Raymond Velayo/Lito Cay, Dante Eslabon, Jun Bacolod, Escolin Brothers, Buddy Puertas, Jervy Maglunob/Noel Cosico, GPE group, Alex Aguirre, Jojo Gatlabayan and RGBA friends, Pros Antonio, Gov. Claude Bautista, Ricky Magtuto/Willard Ty, Ador Pleyto, Arnold Arenas, A. Bernos and Jeffrey/ Aylwyn Sy.

Elmer Stoka of Guam, who had a single win last Monday, will field four gamecocks today hoping for a perfect 5-0 (win-loss) card while Butch Cambra of Hawaii is also in the thick of fight with 1.5 points.

Carlos Camacho and George Goitia of California, Rene Peñalosa of Australia, Wilbert Le Blanc and Richard Harris of Louisiana have one point each and must win all three matches to enter the grand finals on Feb. 6.

The two pointers last Tuesday: defending champion Patrick Antonio, Rep. Marvin Rillo and 2018 WSC 2 champ Rey Briones (two entries each), Eman Fiscalizer, Americans Belle Almojera and Michael Mushburn with William Mamba, Ben Mondragon, Quezon governor Kulit Alcala, Jimmy Junsay, Mark Calixto, Gov. Claude Bautista and Dicky Lim.

WSC 1, which prohibits henny cocks, is sponsored by Thunderbird, Emperador and Powertrac supported by Pit Games Media and Sabong Pilipinas (airs Sundays, 8 a.m. at ABS-CBN Sports + Action TV. WSC 2 is slated May 27-June 2. 

WSC 1 audiences, meanwhile, may win various merchandise from Thunderbird and Emperador booths at the Green Gate lobby.

Powertrac is also raffling off a 32-inch LED TV daily until Feb 6.