Belarussian, Chinese GMs share lead in PH chess tilt

Sixth seed Grand Master Vladislav Kovalev of Belarus downed woman GM Lei Tingjie of China in 60 moves of a Benoni last Friday to snatch a share of the lead after five rounds in the Philippine International Chess Championship at the Peninsular Hotel in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales.

Kovalev is now tied with China's GM Wang Hao.

(left to right) GM Vladislav Kovalev of Belarus; GM Lei Tingjie and GM Wang Hao of China

Wang, owner of a tournament-best 2678 FIDE rating, demolished Armenian GM Tingran Kontajian in just 67 moves of super-sharp Sicilian showdown, has four points in the tournament.

The 13th seed Lei had shocked No. 4 GM Levan Pentsulaia of Georgia in the fourth round to zoom to the top spot. However, with her loss to Kovalev, she is now tied for third place along with Russian GMs Boris Savchenko and Anton Demchenko, Georgian GM Merab Gagunashvili and Pentsulaia with 3.5 points apiece.

Savchenko and Demchenko fought to a 55-move draw of a Ruy Lopez-Steinitz Defense; Gagunashvili agreed to a quick 14-move standoff with Georgian GM Mikheil Mchedlishvili of a Queen's Pawn Game; and Pentsulaia smashed Filipino International Master Oliver Dimakiling 52 moves of a Zukefort Opening.

Grandmaster John Paul Gomez and IMs Haridas Pascua and Paulo Bersamina sustained the Philippine's campaign by drawing their fifth round games to stay just a full point behind the leaders in the nine-round event.

(left to right) GM John Paul Gomez, IM Haridas Pascua and IM Paulo Bersemina of the Philippines

Gomez and Pascua split the point in 30 moves of a Trompovsky Attack while Bersamina halved the point with IM Subbaraman Vijayalakshmi of India 24 moves of a King's Indian duel.

GM Joey Anontio and IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia also drew 31 moves of a Slav to stay in a group with 2.5 points each in the meet.  (ABS-CBN Sports)

http://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/12/11/16/belarussian-chinese-gms-share-lead-in-ph-chess-tilt

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Int'l chess tourney opens in Subic Bay, Torre leads PH team

The Philippine International Chess Championship reels off today at the Subic Bay Peninsular Hotel, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo City, Zambales.

The nine-round Swiss System tournament has drawn the participation of 10 foreign grandmasters led by Wang Hao (2678) of China.

PH Grandmaster Eugene Torre

The other prominent foreigners entered in the event are GM Anton Demchenko (2629) of Russia, GM Boris Savchenko (2613) of Russia, GM Mikheil Mchedlishvili (2611) of Georgia, GM Levan Pantsulaia (2607) of Georgia, GM Kovalev Vladislav (2603) of Belarus, GM Merab Gagunashvili (2588) of Georgia, GM Kirill Stupak (2562) of Belarus, GM Tigran Kotanjyan (2473) of Armenia, GM Sriram Jha (2416) of India, International Master Tran Tuan Minh (2478) of Vietnam, IM Abhimanyu Puranik (2476) of India, FIDE Master Tran Minh Thang (2399) of Vietnam, Harshit Harnish Raja (2399) of India and FM Lee Qing Aun (2227) of Singapore.

Also seeing action are Woman Grandmaster Lei Tingjie of China, WGM S.Vijayalakshmi of India and WIM Sarvinoz Kurbonboeva of Uzbekistan.

Grandmaster Eugene Torre leads the local contingent which includes GM Mark Paragua, GM John Paul Gomez, GM Joey Antonio, GM Darwin Laylo, IM Paulo Bersamina, IM Oliver Dimakiling, IM Haridas Pascua, IM Jerad Docena, IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia and International Master Ricardo De Guzman and WGM Janelle Mae Frayna.

The opening ceremony will be graced by Rep. Prospero “Butch” A. Pichay, Jr., chairman and president of National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), secretary-general Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, vice-president Ruel V. Canobas and former Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares.

Another international event, also supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), is set Dec. 12-19 at the same venue.

http://tempo.com.ph/2016/12/06/torre-leads-charge-in-ph-intl-tourney/

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Subic Bay to be highlighted at the 1st Sports Tourism Awards, NorthPhil Travel Expo

Subic Bay is among the country’s sports tourism venues vying for the coveted Destination of the Year at the 1st Tourism Sports Awards to be held at Resorts World Manila on November 22.

Charles Lim, founder of the Philippine Sports Tourism Award, in a letter addressed to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department manager Mary Jamelle Camba, said the Subic Bay Freeport Zone has been shortlisted as a nominee in three categories: Destination of the Year, Event Sponsorship of the Year and Organizer of the Year- Government.

Subic Bay hosts some of the biggest sports competitions in the region like the 5i50 Century Tuna Triathlon, Asian Duathlon Championships, Subic Adventure Race, Bike Festival Asia, SMART Subic International Marathon, Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT), among others.

It recently received high ratings as a venue of some of the top triathlon events in the world. At the 2015 Ironman 70.3, Subic Bay garnered a superior rate of 85.80% in APAC overall satisfaction score and was placed at number 6, along with Cairns in Queensland, Australia, among the best triathlon venues in Asia-Pacific.

In the meantime, the SBMA expressed support to the NorthPhil Travel and Tourism Expo to be spearheaded by the Department of Tourism Central Luzon in Clark on November 11.

SBMA Chairman Martin Diño and OIC-Office of the Administrator Atty. Randy Escolango will head the Subic Bay delegation composed of hoteliers, event organizers and theme parks executives in the said affair. They will also lead the opening of SBMA Tourism Booths that will showcase the sounds, colors and tastes of Subic Bay.

Chairman Diño said the travel expo will help boost even more the tourism industry of the region by recognizing, promoting and marketing the unique elements of tourism each province has.

“It should be noted that Subic Freeport was named as the region’s most visited tourism destination since 2013 and as the Premier Convention Capital of Central Luzon by the Department of Tourism (DoT) regional office for obtaining the highest number of local and foreign travelers who visited the region,” he said.

The three-day tourism expo, which will present the “Seven Days in Central Luzon” tour package promoting the unique strengths and potentials of the seven provinces and two economic zones of the region, is a project of DOT Central Luzon director Ronnie Tiotuico to be launched on November 11.

“Tourists will discover how they would enjoy surfing in Aurora, agri-tourism in Nueva Ecija, heritage culture and arts in Bulacan, culinary journey in Pampanga, pilgrimage in Tarlac, adventure in Bataan, beach and nature in Zambales, and MICE (meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibits) events in Clark and Subic, all during the Seven-Day Tour Package,” Tiotuico said.

Tiotuico also lauded the Association of the Tourism Organizations of Central Luzon (ATOCEL) for its active participation in designing tour packages showcasing the accessibility and the diversity of the region in terms of tourism products, activities and experiences.

Expected to grace the travel exposition are DOT Directors Helen Catalbas of Region 6 (Western Visayas), Judy Gabato of Region 7 (Central Visayas) and Mary June Bugante of Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula).

Also invited were DOT regional directors Martin Valera (Ilocandia), Marie Venus Tan (Cordillera Autonomous Region), Virgilio Maguigad (Cagayan Valley), Rebecca Labit of (Southern Tagalog) and, Dir. Tiotuico for Central Luzon, to open the NorthPhil. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Subic Bay provides the ideal environment for various sports competitions (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic International Marathon slated this weekend

The longest running full marathon race in the country, Subic International Marathon (SIM), now on its 11th year, is set on November 12 to 13, 2016 starting at the Remy Field in Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

SIM’s premium full marathon and half marathon categories (42.195km and 21km respectively) will fire off on the late afternoon of Saturday, giving the runners a unique feel and experience while tackling the scenic and challenging course of the freeport at night.

November 13 is the setting of the 10km, 7km, 5km and 3km no-frills fun run, capped in the beautiful, chill and relaxed atmosphere of a Sunday morning in Subic Bay. This is catered for everyone wanting a shorter, family friendly run.

With the expected 5000 runners, SIM continues on with its yearly commitment to support the beneficiaries: Dilaab Foundation, Inc., God Bless Our Cops Movement and the Subic Chapter of Bukas Loob sa Diyos Covenant Community.

SIM is organized eXtribe, Inc., supported by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Tekton Manufacturing Corp. makers of ProteinCare and Perfect Muscle, Salomon Philippines, Subic Bay Peninsular Hotel, Pacific Cross Health Care Inc., Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund Inc., Slimmers World Subic, Ambucore Ambulance Services, and Cycles & Brew by Hubble.

Further details on the event can be found more at www.facebook.com/subicinternationalmarathon or www.extribe.com.ph/sim

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Ronda Pilipinas to hold qualifying races in Subic

The search for the country’s future cycling stars continues, as the LBC Ronda Pilipinas 2017 edition will hold its first of two qualifying races on November 6 that will also coincide with the LBC Giro de Pilipinas in Subic Bay.

A total of 30 riders will make it to the culminating event, the biggest cycling race in the Philippines slated to start up North in the Ilocos region on February 4 and end in Iloilo City on March 4 next year.

“The top 30 cyclists in the LBC Ronda Pilipinas Subic qualifying race will make it to the main Ronda event in February next year,” said Jingo Hervas, who is on his second year as race director.

Hervas said those who couldn’t make the cut could still qualify during the final qualifier in Bacolod City on Dec. 4, which will also be held simultaneously with the Dans 360 Beynte bike event.

The 60 qualifiers will then join the more or less 50-man pool that have already automatically qualified for joining last year’s race.

Hervas, however, reminded the outright qualifiers to register first to secure their spots.

“Those who are automatically in, they should claim their slots by registering,” said Hervas.

On its seventh edition, the 12-stage main event will give a whopping P1 million to the champion.

Ronda sports development head Moe Chulani said they’ve raised the stakes so that they could discover more promising young riders from the provinces just like Ranlen Maglantay, who brought a cheap, second-hand bike, an old pair of rubber shoes and a dream to get a chance to compete in an annual race of this magnitude.

“We believe that somewhere out there, there are gems in the rough waiting to be discovered like Ranlen Maglantay,” said Chulani.

“LBC Sports Devt Corp. feels everyone should have the chance to join Ronda Pilipinas 2016, which is the fourth biggest race in the world in terms of distance covered, not just the elite riders,” he added.

LBC Ronda will officially start on February 4 with Ilocos Sur-Ilocos Norte Stage One and followed by the Ilocos Sur Stage Two criterium the next day.

Stage Three will go to Angeles City, Pampanga to Subic on February 8 and then the Naga-San Jose Stage Four individual time trial on Feb. 14 followed by the Pili-Daet Stage Five on February 16 and Daet to Unisan Stage Six on February 17.

Next are the Paseo Stage Seven is in Sta. Rosa, Laguna on February 19, Tagaytay-Batangas-Tagaytay Stage Eight on February 19, Calamba-Antipolo Stage Nine on February 23 and Antipolo Stage 10 criterium on February 24.

Iloilo City will then host Stages 11 and 12 on March 3 and 4.

http://www.manilatimes.net/ronda-pilipinas-hold-qualifying-races-subic/293927/

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New finds shine in Philippine aquathlon

New faces emerged in the standard and sprint distances in the Triathlon Association of the Philippines’ (TRAP)-organized first Philippine Aquathlon Championships held yesterday at the Camayan Beach Resort inside the Subic Freeport Zone.

Iligan trackster and UST alumnus Leyann Ramo finished strong in the final run leg to become the country’s first female national aquathlon champion, clocking 41 minutes, 17 seconds, in the event which drew 164 entries. Vicky Deldio, unable to conquer the strong currents in the open water swim, finished a far second in 43:49, with Marga de los Reyes third in 46:15.

The race was backed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Camayan Beach Resort, Ocean Adventure, Standard Insurance, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Century Tuna, The Light House, Subic Holiday Villas and Vita Coco.

La Salle Zobel’s Inaki Emil Lorbes, a member of the Philippine Swim League under coach Susan Papa, ruled the 1K run-600 swim-1K run for Aspirants 13-15 where TRAP will select the country’s representatives to the 2018 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Buenos Aires.

Lorbes was able to catch up with the lead group in the swim leg and shocked the more favored national team members en route to a solo finish in the race. He clocked 18:25, beating Juan Baniqued (18:27) and Marcus Faytaren (18:37).

Borlain sisters Samantha (18:42) and Tara (19:19) finished 1-2, relegating national junior team member Lauren Plaza to third (19:21). (Philippine Star)

Photo from TRAP facebook page

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2016/09/12/1622956/new-finds-shine-philippine-aquathlon

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Aquathlon championships set in Subic

The Triathlon Association of the Philippines will stage two races for the derivatives of triathlon in September a week apart in separate traditional venues.

The Philippine Aquathlon Championships 2016, held in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, unwraps at Camayan Beach Resort and Ocean Adventure in Subic Freeport on Sept. 11.

Kick-off event of the Philippine Youth Olympic Games Qualifying Series for those born in 2001-02, the aquathlon is also the national championships for junior high school and collegiate levels, youth and junior not representing any school, para athletes and open category.

The race course of the standard aquathlon is 2.5K run-1K swim-2.5K run; sprint is 1K run-600m swim-1K run.

Philippine Sports Commission and SBMA Tourism Department co-present the aquathlon tilt with Camayan Hotel, Subic Holiday Villas and The Lighthouse Marina Resort as partner hotels.

Green Triathlon, Blueseventy, Singphil, Gatorade, Standard Insurance, Asian for Center and Insulation, Bert Lozada Swim School, Subic Holiday Villas, Lighthouse Marina Resort, Century Tuna, Vita Coco, C-lium and Statmed are the sponsors; and Raceday Triathlon, SBR.ph, Swim Magazine, Trilife Magazine, Kikay Runner, Multisport, Endurance Sports Magazine and Sports Radio the media partners.

In the meantime, The National Duathlon Championships 2016 “Race for the Iloilo River” rolls off in partnership with the City Government of Iloilo, headed by Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, at the Esplanade 1 in Iloilo City on Sept. 18.

Veteran internationalists Mirasol Abad, Miscele Gilbuena, Bigboy Estevez and John Chicano, the country’s top duathletes banner the tough field in the PSC-supported duathlon which aims to support efforts to clean and re-develop the Iloilo River, according to Iloilo City Vice Mayor Jose Espinosa.

Elite and age group duathletes cover the 8.5K run- 40K bike-6K run course with the latter not allowed draft in the bike leg.

The sprint distance in duathlon is 1.6K run, 20K bike and 2.6K run. Run 1.6k, Bike: 20K, Run2:6k.

Deadline for registration in the run-swim-run event is Sept. 7. Entry fee is P 1,500 for youth, P2,000 for junior, P2,000 for individual age groupers and P3,000 for the two-man relay.

Inquiries: email trap.aquathlon@gmail.com or call TRAP 710-8259 or 399- 6598.

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Four-in-one aquathlon up at Subic Freeport

The quest for glory in the run-swim-run aquathlon format of multisport fires off Sept. 11 when the first Philippine Aquathlon Championship is held at the Camayan Beach Resort in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The 4-in-1 event’s race courses will be composed of a 2.5K run-1K swim-2.5K run in the Standard Distance, 1K run-600m swim-1K run (sprint) at the Camayan Beach Resort, Subic and the Ilanin Forest Reserve.

The event will have national championships for high-school level and college level participants, the Youth and Junior competition (athletes born in 2001 to 2002 will be considered for 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina), the Age-Group Para-Aquathlon (for athletes with disabilities) and Open Age Age-Groupers.

At stake in the event supported by Philippine Sports Commission, Camayan Beach Resort, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department (SBMA-Tourism), Subic Holiday Villas, The Lighthouse Marina Resort, Standard Insurance, Gatorade, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, RaceDay, SBR.ph, Multisport, Kikay Runner, SWIM and DZSR Sports Radio 918 are cash prizes worth P3,000, P2,000 and P1,000 plus medals for the Top 3 overall male/female winners, and medals for Top 3 winners of age categories as well as inter-school and para-aquathlon. The awarding ceremony will be held at Camayan Beach Resort at 9:30 a.m.

Registration is ongoing with early bird entry fees at P1,000 for Youth participants, P1,500 for Junior and individual age-group participants and P2,500 for the two-man relay until July 31.

Effective Aug. 31 entry fees will be P1,500, P2,000 and P3,000, respectively, for the various categories. Inclusive with entry fees are a swim cap, timing chip, event shirt, finisher’s medal and post-race meal.

Interested parties may call up the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) at tel. Nos. 710-8259 and 399-6598, email trap.aquathlon@gmail.com. (The Philippine Star)

TRAP logo c/o TRAP facebook page

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2016/07/11/1601727/four-one-aquathlon-subic-freeport

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Betten, Watkinson dominate Regent 5150 in Subic Bay

Australian Sam Betten retained the men’s pro crown while Kiwi Amelia Watkinson reigned in the women’s side as they scored wire-to-wire triumphs in the 2016 Regent 5150 Triathlon on a hot and humid Sunday in Subic.

Betten tackled the challenging 1.5K swim, 40K bike, 10K run course in two hours, six minutes and 55 seconds to capture the coveted title for the second straight year with plenty to spare.

His compatriot, Mitch Robins, finished a far second with 2:21:27, his bid hurt by two flat tire mishaps in the bike leg, while Slovak Michal Bucek took third place in the local version of the world’s largest Olympic distance triathlon series with his 2:24:38 effort.

Watkinson checked in at 2:10:59 – just a few minutes after Betten – to run away with the women’s tiara, beating Aussies Michelle Duffield (2:22:03) and Dimity-Lee Duke (2:24:38).

Paul Jumamil topped the Filipino male elite category with 2:19:08 – the third best time across all divisions. August Benedicto crossed the finish line six seconds later to settle for second while Banjo Norte wound up No. 3 with 2:20:28. Maria Danielle Infantado (2:50:50) beat Amale Jopson (3:08:24) for the Filipino female elite crown.

“It’s tough to win any race and it’s even tougher to win it twice in a row so this is really very special,” said Betten after accomplishing his mission in the event produced and organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. in partnership with Regent Foods, the country’s leading snack manufacturing company.

The 28-year-old Betten came out of the waters at Acea Beach first and didn’t relinquish control all the way to the ride along the undulating and hot roads of Subic Bay and the finish at Remy Field.

Robins, who was touted to contend, fell behind as he had to fix a flat front tire not once but twice. “It’s a disaster but it happens,” he said.

Thailand-based Kiwi Watkinson maintained a blistering pace that left her two rivals gasping.

“I got my own space straight out of the gun, swam consistently and picked it up on the way home. I had a fast transition out on the bike and eased into it, making sure I kept the pace quite even,” she said.

PHOTOS:

[1] Australian triathlete Sam Betten negotiates the runway of the Subic Bay International Airport as he defends his 2015 men’s title during the 5150 triathlon held Sunday morning (June 05) at Subic Bay Freeport. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] Australian triathlete Sam Betten cools himself after crossing the finish line at the Remy Field during the 5150 triathlon held Sunday morning (June 05) at Subic Bay Freeport. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[3] Aussie triathlete Sam Betten flashes the No. 1 sign as he celebrates after crossing the finish line at the Remy Field during the 5150 triathlon held Sunday morning (June 05) at Subic Bay Freeport. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

http://www.manilatimes.net/betten-watkinson-dominate-regent-5150/266091/

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Subic Freeport hosts 2016 Regent 5i50

AUSTRALIAN Sam Betten banners a crack field racing for top honors in the 2016 Regent 5150 Triathlon, the local version of the world’s largest Olympic distance triathlon series, set on June 5 in Subic.

The 6-foot-4 Betten sets out to retain the male pro crown against compatriots Mitch Robins, winner of the first Safeguard 5150, and Dan Brown and Slovakia’s Michal Bucek in the race organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. in partnership with the country’s leading snack manufacturing company, Regent Foods.

Australia’s 2015 runner-up Dimity-Lee Duke tries to strike gold this time as she battles Kiwi Amelia Rose Watkinson and Aussie Michelle Duffield for the female pro crown, which is now an open race after the retirement of champ Belinda Granger from pro racing.

Competitors in the Filipino elite male and female divisions and age-groupers also showcase their competitive spirit and skills in the 1.5K open-water swim at the Acea Beach, 40K bike and 10K run along the undulating and hot roads of Subic Bay.

The Regent 5150 Triathlon is considered as the answer to triathletes who love to do short-distance but challenging races in a world-class production setup.

Spicing up this year’s race is the inaugural Sunrise Sprint run. Also known as S2, the race features a 750m open-water swim, 20km bike ride and a 5km run for beginners.

“It is perfect for beginners wanting to immerse themselves into the sport of triathlon for the first time, for triathlon enthusiasts who wants to race without having to worry about long periods of training or for the tri warrior who has been off the circuit and is raring to make a comeback,” said Sunrise president Wilfred Uytengsu.

PHOTO:
The Regent 5150 PRO Race will feature Sam Betten defending his title, as well as Will Dimity competing for this year's Female PRO Champion title. (photo from Regent 5i50 Facebook page)

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Subic Bay hosts leg 4 of Paddles Up! The Philippine Dragon Boat Tour

Living up to its reputation as the country’s sports mecca, this Freeport proved to be an ideal venue for Paddles Up! The Philippine Dragon Boat Tour, as teams from all over the Philippines participated in the 4th leg of the competition last Saturday (May 14).

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto V. Garcia welcomed the delegates of the Philippine Dragon Boat Tour, saying this is another milestone for the Freeport years after it hosted its last dragon boat competition.

“We are glad that dragon boat is back in Subic,” Garcia said, adding that local and international water sports and sailing enthusiasts have already made Subic Bay their home.

Leg 4 kicked off at the Subic Park Hotel. The gruelling 300- meter competition featured three classes: Women’s 10 seaters (small boat), Mixed Masters 10 seaters (small boat) and Men’s Open 20 seaters (full boat).

Conquering the waters of Subic Bay were delegates from the Philippine Navy winning the Women’s class and the Mixed Masters class. Meanwhile, Sagwan Tanauan ruled in the Men’s Open class.

The Paddles Up! Philippine Dragon Boat Tour is composed of five different legs with more than 20 clubs consisting of collegiate and elite crews.

The first leg was held at Manila Bay in Pasay City November last year, while the second leg was at the Sampalok Lake in San Pablo City, Laguna held last January 9.

The Subic leg came at the heels of the competition’s third leg held at Taal Lake in Tanauan, Batangas last March 5.

Paddles Up! was organized by the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragonboat Federation (PCKDF), in cooperation with Solar Sports Channel. (RBB/MPD-SBMA)


PHOTOS:
Competing teams paddle their craft on Subic Bay during the Paddles Up! The Philippine Dragon Boat Tour held at the Subic Bay Freeport over the weekend. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[Top left] Kahna Versoza, of the Subic Park Hotel, dots the eye of the dragon to start the Subic leg of Paddles Up! The Philippine Dragon Boat Tour over the weekend. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Freeport ranked #6 among world’s top triathlons

The Subic Bay Freeport, which regularly hosts various international sports competitions, has again received high ratings as a venue for some of the top triathlon events in the world.

According to Princess Galura, general manager of Sunrise Events, Inc., an affiliate of the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), Subic Bay earned the superior ranking of 85.80% in the 2015 Ironman 70.3 APAC Overall Satisfaction Scores.

Triathletes at the starting line during the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 held recently in Subic Bay 

Subic served as the venue for the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 race organized by Sunrise Events last year.

“Survey results for the 2015 event showed that our race ranked 85.80%, which is just below global standards by .09%,” Galura said in a letter to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia.

“We are also above Asia-Pacific standards, as they only ranked 83.95%,” Galura added, further thanking Garcia for the SBMA support during the event.

The 2015 Ironman 70.3 APAC Overall Satisfaction Scores placed Subic at number six among the best triathlon sites in the Asia Pacific Championship series.

Topping the list is Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia with a satisfaction rating of 90.20%, followed by Western Sydney and Korea tying for the second place at 89%; Mandurah in Western Australia, third at 88.30%; Auckland, New Zealand, fourth at 88%; and Busselton, Western Australia, fifth at 85.99%.

Subic Bay and Cairns in Queensland, Australia tied for sixth place with a rating of 85.80%—less than a point short of the global average of 85.89%.

Chairman Garcia said that the ranking “clearly shows that Subic is among the world’s best in terms of facilities and natural environment that is ideal to triathlon competition.”

“We have been aggressively promoting Subic as a sports hub and we’re surely gaining ground. These events organized by Sunrise significantly help in putting Subic on the sports map,” Garcia added.

Sunrise Events, which began organizing races after being awarded a contract by the WTC in 2008, runs two major races in the Philippines — the Ironman 70.3 Triathlon and the 5i50 Triathlon. The firm has also initiated the Alaska Ironkids Aquathlon with Subic as one of the venues.
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Galura likewise said that they will launch the short-distance race series Sunrise Sprint at Subic Bay Freeport on June 5, to coincide with the opening of the Regent 5i50 Triathlon.

The Sunrise Sprint will feature a 750-meter swim event and a 20-kilometer bike race to be topped by a
five-kilometer run. “The distance is targeted for beginners, come-backing athletes, and those who lack training,” Galura added.

Garcia said the incoming events “will further cement Subic’s reputation as the country’s triathlon capital,” recalling that Subic has been cited as an outstanding triathlon venue by the internationally-circulated sports magazine TriMag Asia, after covering two big triathlon events here in 2012.

Garcia said the magazine particularly noted Subic’s “interesting course and friendly atmosphere,” and added that the Freeport “is increasingly getting a reputation for top-notch races.”

The SBMA official also said that the international sports events here have been drawing thousands of foreign and local racers and their teams, thus helping boost the tourism industry in Subic Bay. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

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Mangrobang leads 1-2 Pinay finish in Subic International Triathlon

Kim Mangrobang led an impressive 1-2 finish by the Filipino bets in the women’s division of the Open Elite while the Aussie bets dominated the men’s side of the 23rd NTT-ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) yesterday.

Mangrobang, the country’s No. 2 triathlete who had to cut short her high performance training in Portugal due to her father’s death last week, showed the gains she made by besting the field at Remy Field in two hours, 10 minutes, 40 seconds.

Kim Manrobang of the Philippines | SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia poses with the winners in the Open Elite Women's division

(photos c/o: https://www.facebook.com/ITUSubit/ and https://www.facebook.com/AniDeLeonBrown/)

She made her move in the final 10K run leg after keeping pace with teammates Fil-Am Kim Kilgroe and SEAG gold medalist Claire Adorna in the 1.5K swim and 40K bike legs.

“I had no plans of joining but my coach told me just to race since I was already here. I just wanted to finish but when we got out in the run leg, I felt I could take it all the way to the finish,” said the 24-year-old Mangrobang after the race organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) and held in cooperation with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and presented by the SBMA Tourism Department with support from the Philippine Olympic Committee and Philippine Sports Commission.

Two weeks from now, Mangrobang who also ruled SuBIT’s Under-23 division two years ago, will be in Japan for the Asian Triathlon Championship, eyeing a top five finish to earn ITU points in her quest to make it to the 2020 Olympic Games.

Kilgroe, who lives in California but traces her mother’s roots in Zambales, conceded to Mangrobang in the run leg.

“I tried to catch up in the run leg but she was too strong. But I’m happy with my performance as I was expecting a podium finish this time from my 16th place last year, I prepared more seriously this time, “ said Kilgroe, who clocked 2:12.29.

Hong Kong’s Kate Rutherford timed 2:13.15 for third followed by injured Adorna in 2:19.59.

“I was frustrated because my foot injury is still bothering me, particularly in the bike, it was painful and was still hurting even after the race,” said Adorna, a five-time UAAP Most Outstanding Athlete.

Ting Ting Chang from Taipei came in fifth in 2:20.36.

Aussie Joel Tobin White, running his second SuBIT race, also turned in an impressive solo finish in 1:56.09 while Greek James Chronis, who used to run for Australia until he opted to campaign for his native country two years ago, placed second in 1:56.45 while another Aussie, James Thorp, placed third in 1:56.58.

Joel Tobin White of Australia | SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia poses with the winners in the Open Elite Men's division

(photos c/o https://www.facebook.com/ITUSubit/ and https://www.facebook.com/jamesthorptriathlete/?fref=photo)

Other backers of the event were Century Tuna, Standard Insurance, Gatorade, Asian Center for Insulation, Subic Holiday Villas, ACEA Subic Bay, Enervon, Biker’s Cafe, The Lighthouse Marina Resort and media partners Solar Sports, The Philippine STAR, Kikay Runner and PinoyFitness.com.

Tobin White, ranked sixth back home, pulled away from closest pursuer Chronis after the first lap of the run leg.

“I put in a surge while he slowed down, I knew I could make it if I did well in the swim leg, and I did, the heat also did not bother me at all,” said the 23 year old professional triathlete who credited his coach Danielle Stefano at the Victorian Institute of Sport back in Melbourne.

Best placed among the male Filipino triathletes was Olongapo native John Chicano who finished eighth in 2:01.42.

“I gave chase in the bike leg but the foreign competiton was just too strong. It’s all right, because I met my target here,” Chicano said.

In the men’s U-23, Singaporean Sumedha Um Kian Tat went home with the title, clocking 2:20.54, followed by Macau entries Chak Long Un (2:21.37) and Chi Meng Ieong (2:26.53).

Even as he admitted that the field was not as strong as it used to be because of another World Cup race in China on the same day, TRAP president Tom Carrasco, said “it was a good opportunity for our triathletes particularly Mangrobang to show what they are capable of doing.”

“We are on track with our preparation for the 2020 Olympic Games where we hope to qualify for the first time,” he said. (The Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2016/04/18/1574130/mangrobang-leads-1-2-pinay-finish-subic-international-triathlon

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HK bets deliver on 1st day of the NTT-ASTC Subic Bay Int'l Traithlon

THE highly-touted HongKong triathlon team delivered as expected on Day 1 of the 23rd NTT-ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon ( SuBIT ), sweeping the top spots yesterday in both divisions of the junior elite sprint competition that started and ended at the ACEA Beach inside the sprawling Subic Freeport.

So dominating were in the HK triathletes that in the men's junior elite, Oscar Louise Coggins, Michael Lam, and ShingHim Wong , James Tan, and Tsz To Wong took the top 5 places with Coggins leading practically from start to finish en route to a solo finish in 58: 28, six seconds ahead of Lam. Wong meanwhile negotiated the 750m. swim-10K bike- 5K run sprint distance race in 59 : 12, followed by Tan, 1:01.24 and Wong, 1 : 00. 31.

The Hong Kong Triathlon National Team
Photo from https://www.facebook.com/Hong-Kong-Triathlon-National-Team-268717043281379/

“ It got pretty hot in the run leg but I handled it pretty well, I was really hoping for a top 3 finish, “ said Coggins, 18, who only placed third in the same event last year.

Cebu’s Andrew Remolino, 16, from Talisay, winner of the first two legs of the TRAP NAGT Series in Subic and Cebu , was the best placed Filipino triathlete in sixth place in the event organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) in cooperation with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and presented by the SBMA Tourism Department with support from the Philippine Olympic Committee ( POC ) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

“Naiwan ako sa bike ", said a disappointed Remolino after the race, he is a member of the national developmental team of TRAP .

In the women's side of the event, supported by Century Tuna, Standard Insurance, Gatorade, Asian Center for Insulation, Subic Holiday Villas, ACEA Subic Bay, Biker's Cafe, Blackbeard's Seafood Island, the Lighthouse Marina Resort, and Enervon, HK's Bailee Brional Brown was a run-away winner in 1:09.36 as she completely dominated her opponents, “the heat was insane but I managed to block it from my mind,” said Brown, 16, a student at the Hong Kong International School.

She also finished first in last year's mini-sprint distance in the same event. Singapore's Jeremia Christy Suriadi was a distant second in 1:12 : 49 while in third place was top seed Zoe Natasha Bowden of Malaysia who clocked 1:13:51.

“ I believe the support we get from the government and the fact that we have around 30 active triathlon clubs in Hong Kong help us a lot,” said Fenalla Ng, president of the Hong Kong Triathlon Association who accompanied her wards to Subic, she is a former swimmer and rower who has competed in 3 Olympic Games and 5 Asian Games.

On his part, TRAP President and current POC Chairman Tom Carrasco said he really expected Hong Kong to dominate but remained optimistic of the development of his young triathletes, “ we are already putting in place our long -term preparation for the 2018 Youth Olympics where we hope to qualify 3 girls and 3 boys,” he explained.

Filipina Vicky Deldio, an Olympic Youth Games veteran, ran her personal best time but fell short by nine seconds.

http://www.journal.com.ph/sports/other-sports/hk-bets-deliver-in-subic

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Subic Bay Freeport, Olongapo City host the 8th National ALCU games

This Freeport and Olongapo City will play host to the 8th National ALCU games on April 9-16 participated in by students of colleges and universities from all over the country.

Organized by Gordon College Olongapo, the games will be held in various locations in Subic Freeport and Olongapo City. The Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU) is composed of thirty-three (33) local colleges and universities in the Philippines.

The games will open with a motorcade and a parade of athletes in Olongapo City on April 10. Below is the schedule of sporting events and venues for each activity.

8th National ALCU games schedule of activities 

ACLU was created in the latter part of 2003 by the Commission on Accreditation, Inc., which is working closely with the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines, Inc. (AACCUP).

Its primary thrust is to improve the quality of instruction, research, and extension of its member schools and to provide value public tertiary education, especially to the poor and disadvantaged youth. (RBB/MPD-SBMA)

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World-ranked triathletes in Subic for SuBIT 2016

Several world-ranked triathletes led by former World Junior Champion and former ITU number one Felicity Abram and Melinda Vernon of Australia will test their mettle in the elite competition (2nd day) of the two-day NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon 2016 which will commence on April 16 at the ACEA Subic Bay.

The elite competition (Standard Distance 1.5 Km swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run) offers ITU qualifying points for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic triathlon event and has already attracted the participation of Mohamad Alsabbagh (Syria), James Chronis (Greece), Chris George (Australia), Shen-Yen Hsieh (Chinese Taipei), Rikigoro Shinozuka (Malaysia), Jiayu Tan (Singapore), James Thorp (Australia), Joel Tobin White (Australia), Chun Yin Tse (Hong Kong), Yuki Umeda (Japan) and national triathletes John Chicano, Mark Hosana, Jonard Saim and Deo Timbol.

In the distaff side, 2015 SEA Games gold medalist Claire Adorna and teammate Kim Kilgroe will lead the Philippines in facing off with Chi Wen Chang (Chinese Taipei), Shuwen Chang (Singapore), Ting-Ting Chang (Chinese Taipei), Irene See Win Chiong (Malaysia) and Kate Rutherford (Hong Kong).

Organized by TRAP in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon 2016 is presented by SBMA Tourism Department. (Tempo)

Five-in-one Subic international triathlon

The two-day NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon 2016 is a five-in-one affair comprising a leg of the Asia Cup Series, National Age-Group Championships, Inter-Club Competition, national tryouts and Age Group Select Men, a new feature in the local triathlon scene.

On tap on the first day are sprint distance for Elite Junior, Age-Group Junior and Age-Group Adult and mini sprint distance for men and women. All races will start and finish at ACEA Subic Bay.

Elite Open, Elite U23, age groupers and club members see action over the standard distance (1.5K swim-40K bike-10K run) on April 17 from 5:30 a.m. also with the finish line located at Remy Field.

Tom Carrasco, Triathlon Association of the Philippines president, said, “SuBIT is the first beneficiary of the Nippon Telephone and Telecommunications sponsorship of the Asia Cup Series under the patronage of the Asian Triathlon Confederation and sanction of the International Triathlon Union.”

Organized by TRAP in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), SuBIT is presented by SBMA Tourism Department and supported by Century Tuna, Standard Insurance, Gatorade, Asian Center for Insulation, Subic Holiday Villas, ACEA Subic Bay, Biker’s Café, Blackbeard’s Seafood Island, The Lighthouse Marina Resort, Enervon Active, AH Cabgel, AH Enervon HP, Athena, Pure & Feminine Wash, RaceDay, SBR.ph, Multisport, Kikay Runner and Pinoy Fitness.com.

Top finishers in the elite division of the Asia Cup 2016 series earn ITU points for Asian and world rankings and qualification to major international competitions.

TRAP sponsors the standard distance age-group men and women champions’ stints in an Asia Cup 2016 Series event.

Age groups to be contested include 18-24 years, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50 and over for women and 18-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59 and 60 and over for men.

Excellent and promising Junior, U23 and Elite Open performers have a shot at a slot in the national pool. (The Philippine Star)

http://sports.tempo.com.ph/2016/04/04/sports/world-ranked-triathletes-in-subic/

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2016/03/28/1566898/five-one-subic-internationall-triathlon-set-april-16

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Challenging Salomon XTrail Pilipinas 2016 set in Subic Bay

Salomon Pilipinas, the brand notable for its pioneering technology and innovation in the sports of trail running and adventure hiking, brings to outdoors enthusiasts the 2016 edition of its famed Salomon Xtrail on April 9 in Subic Bay Freeport.

On its 6th year, this event is part of the Salomon Xtrail Series in the Asia-Pacific Region– in Malaysia, Singapore, HongKong, Taiwan & the Philippines.

Salomon Xtrail is considered one of the most toughest trail runs in the country, challenging participants to “run the path of most resistance” with two major events: a grueling mountain run and a road-to-trail run.

New trail routes will be created exclusively for this event, to steer away from the usual trail running events, with usual routes. Also to attract more trail running enthusiasts, this year’s race distances are– 6km and 12km Road to Trail, and the toughest categories, the 24km and 32km Mountain Run.

The 32km version will challenge experienced trail runners and mountaineers to compete over some of the most toughest terrain Zambales has to offer.

The route is much more than lush vegetation and exposed trails; there’s a sense of time too as runners and racers venture into historical locales and wartime landmarks. With over a full kilometer of elevation gain, this event is one for the strongest runners out there.

The shorter version, at 24km, is highly challenging though recommended for experienced trail runners and for adventure hikers seeking a more physically-demanding trial. This version reaches a peak elevation of 372m, and gains about half a mile throughout the entirety of the race course.

Both the 24km and 32km mountain runs will challenge runners in a different way, as there is guaranteed to be wet sections during river crossing portions.

The Salomon Xtrail Pilipinas 2016 Race is a GREEN RUN. No disposables will be provided at the hydration stations. All participants MUST bring their own provisions. For the Mountain Run Categories, there will be a Mandatory gear check prior to race start. Mandatory gears include: Hydration pack/belt, headlamp, whistle.

For registration details, click here: http://www.salomonxtrailpilipinas.com/

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Commodores’ Cup kicks off in Subic Bay, the Philippine home of sailing

Coming off the back of a bruising Rolex China Sea Race, Subic Sailing have invited competitors to join in the action at the Commodore's Cup this week. Local racing teams preformed with distinction at the Subic to Boracay Race and Cup earlier this month and enjoy pitting their skills against the visiting teams.

Subic Bay is quickly becoming known as the Home of Sailing in the Philippines, as two keelboat classes swing into action, in conjunction with the Philippine Sailing Association, Streaker and Optimist classes, begin their assault for individual glory, sharing the same waters as the main bout.

The local yachts are led by Ernesto Echauz's TP 52 Standard Insurance Centennial III, that won Racing Class 1 in Boracay and Martin Tanco's Sydney 46 Centennial II, won two races on the final day in Boracay, to snatch 2nd place in Racing Class 2. The low entry list, sees them bundled together in Racing Class 1.

The formidable line up of visiting teams are all from Hong Kong. Geoff Hill's Smith 72 Custom Antipodes leads the charge in sheer size, recent victories on the Rolex China Sea Race, Boracay Cup and present leader on the AsianYachting Grand Prix (AYGP), makes Steve Manning and Anthony Root's Ker 42 Black Baza, hands on favourite, if the conditions suit them.

The Commodore's Cup is honoured to be the 10th regatta on the AsianYachting Grand Prix (AYGP) and an excellent chance for Philippine and Hong Kong skippers to improve their ranking, in the race for the 2015-16 AYGP Skipper and Yacht of the Year.

The 9th Commodore’s Cup is organized by Subic Sailing and Philippine Sailing Association, in cooperation with The Lighthouse Marina Resort, Watercraft Ventures and The Boatyard Inn

The regatta is made possible by the supported of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Subic Bay Hotels, Attractions and Tourism Stakeholders Visitors Board, Department of Tourism, Philippines Coast Guard and 1Subicbay. (AY MultiMedia)

PHOTO:
The Centennial III (subicsailing.com)

http://asianyachting.com/news/CC16/Commodores_Cup_2016_AY_Pre-Regatta_Report.htm?utm_source=SubicSailing&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=CCR2016&utm_content=pre-race-report

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Rolex China Sea Race 2016: Black Baza takes IRC Overall

Anthony Root and Steve Manning's Ker42 Black Baza triumphs in the grueling 565 nautical mile race to Subic Bay at the 2016 Rolex China Sea Race, lifting the trophy for corrected time on IRC handicap, with Alive posting a second overall to go with her record of breaking Line Honours effort.

William Liu’s A40RC Seawolf has just finished and sits in 3rd Overall as well as 1st in IRC Racer 2, which means that their stated aim to “do better than last time (2014)” has well and truly been achieved.

Black Baza finished in the early hours of Saturday morning after just over 60 hours of racing, with crew member Wade Morgan enthusing about the previous 24 hours of racing, saying “we were coming in hot all the way, which was unexpected … we probably played the middle a little bit to the south and then we had good breeze so we managed to come straight in to the coast without having to do too much fancy work.”

Asked if the crew were happy if they had caught Alive on corrected time, Jono Rankine confirmed “Absolutely! We weren’t expecting that at all..” and adding that the high point of the race for the crew was surfing in to the coast at 20kts.

Jono Mahony of Zanzibar also enjoyed sailing down the Luzon coast at 18-20kts, noting that “we finished 8 hours quicker than when we won (IRC Overall) in 2012 even though we hit a sticky patch at the finish which allowed EFG Mandrake to sneak past us – but they do that all the time!”

All the finishers have noted their surprise at the excellent conditions once on open water, although Li Li revealed that Swan 82 UBOX considered retiring 180nm into the race as they had suffered damage to the head of the mainsail which seemed unfixable.

“The crew managed to come up with a solution …. to lash the head and stay in the race, although it limited the load they could put on it. The first night a problem with the foot of the number one cost a lot of time in really tough weather. It was a tough first day, half of the crew were sea sick and had been working hard on the boat leading into the race, so possibly had not had enough sleep.

On the positive side, UBOX finished the race and all the crew have taken it as a positive experience, as this race is practice for the team. The ultimate goal is the Rolex Sydney Hobart and, being realistic, we still have a lot of prep to do. It’s good and although we talk about all this damage, it has been a very positive experience for everybody.” (http://bit.ly/1TcgTV5)

PHOTOS:
Clockwise from upper left: Ker42 Black Baza; EFG Bank Mandrake; UBOX; Zanzibar; Standard Insurance Centennial; FreeFire. (Rolex-Daniel Forster, Rolex China Sea Race FB)

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Off to Subic Bay: Centennial sets pace early in Rolex China Sea Race

HONG KONG – Thirty-three yachts, from small boats manned by couples to bigger catamarans navigated by as many as 22 sailed into the open seas yesterday in a misty, drizzling afternoon at the start of the 565 nautical mile Rolex China Sea Race to the imaginary finish line off the shores of Subic Bay.

The boats, 26 of them from Hong Kong and seven from other nationalities, including Filipino-owned Standard Insurance-Centennial, went to the Hong Kong Harbor at 12 noon to take their positions for the 1 p.m. starting gun, but the race was delayed several times as they waited for the winds.

When the winds finally blew outward, Standard Insurance-Centennial got the headstart, its decision to take the shoreline path giving it an initial lead of at least one kilometer heading to the open seas.

The race for line honors becomes anybody’s game, at least for the bigger yachts, as they head for the turbulent waters off Hong Kong. They were to navigate throughout the night and day on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

The race would be more technical and tactical as computer-equipped boats veer from the straight path from Hong Kong to Subic by heading to the upward wind several miles ahead to gather speed heading to the finish line.

The boats are expected to encounter rough sailing as they enter Philippine territory by Good Friday and Black Saturday but the bigger multi-hulls and catamarans manned by a maximum crew of 22 gunning for line honors are expected to gain the advantage and hit land ahead of the smaller ones by early Black Saturday morning.

The fastest regardless of the boat category wins the Rolex CSR line honors.

The smaller, lighter boats, with lighter masts and fewer crew members, will be gunning for top honors in the equally prestigious Rolex CSR handicap race category based on their corrected time.

Each boat is assigned a handicap based on its size and other factors, which will be used to determine the corrected time.

Jude Echauz, a former car rally driver who has been competing in the CSR for 20 years, is owner and skipper of Standard Insurance-Centennial, which won the 1998 Rolex CSR handicap race as Subic Centennial and the 2008 race under its new name as Standard Insurance-Centennial.

Echauz is again at the helm of the Standard Insurance-Centennial with a 17-man all-Filipino crew, majority of them members of the national team.

For over 10 years, the 52-footer has been the only Filipino entry in the Rolex CSR, which is traditionally dominated by entries from the Royal Hong Kong Club and its three other clubs in the former Crown Colony.

Foreign teams in this year’s race include those from Japan, Australia, Russia, China and Singapore.

A member club from China, which has two entries this year, had indicated that boat construction is going at a fast pace in the Mainland and would expect more than half of the entries of the Rolex China Sea Race in the future to come from China.

Executives from Rolex, which has been the sponsor of Asia’s longest sea race since 1972, will be on hand to meet the winners and participants of the race on Saturday and Sunday. (Gerry Carpio, The Philippine Star)

PHOTOS:
[1] Thirty-three yachts sail off into the open seas in a misty, drizzling afternoon at the start of the 565 nautical mile Rolex China Sea Race to Subic Bay.

[2] Philippine bet Standard Insurance Centennial, with Jun Echaus at the helm, ahead of the pack.

[3] A Lion Dance for good luck was performed at the pontoon of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club before the race began.

(all photos from the Rolex China Sea Race Facebook page)

http://www.philstar.com:8080/sports/2016/03/24/1566214/centennial-sets-pace-early-rolex-csr

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