Kiwi sizzles in Sun Life triathlon

MANILA, Philippines — New Zealand’s Amelia Watkinson put on a superb showing that even merited a spot in the men’s side in one stretch and went on to dominate her side in the inaugural Sun Life 5150 triathlon in Naga City, Cebu yesterday.

So impressive was the veteran Watkinson that saw her run at third overall behind Sam Betten and Alex Polizzi after the bike ride before coasting to victory in the women’s pro division in 2:06.44 in the 1.5K swim-40K bike-10K run race put up by Sun Life and organized by Sunrise Events Inc.

Hungary’s Anna Eberhardt came in second (2:14.51) while recent 5150 Subic winner Manami Iijima of Guam lost steam in the last two stages after grabbing the lead in the swim leg. She wound up third in 2:16.16.

Betten, who has ruled a number of 5150 races in the country before yielding to compatriot Mitch Robins in Subic last year, pulled away from a tight battle with Polizzi after the opening swim leg, banking on a strong bike ride to post a 1:59.32 clocking.

Polizzi clocked 2:03.55 for second while Robins struggled in the bike part and wound up third in 2:05.34 with Dan Brown finishing fourth in 2:27.21.

Barely edging Polizzi, 19:51-19:53, in the opening swim event, Betten poured it all in the bike, clocking 57:46 as against the former’s 1:00:30 before holding sway in the closing run in 38:40 against Polizzi’s 39:37.

Gian Taylor also took the spotlight in topping the the Go For Gold Sunrise Sprint.