Aussie dominates action in Boracay funboard

Australian Robbie Radis showed up the stellar field in the first phase of the 16th Boracay International Funboard Cup yesterday, dominating the first nine heats of the event with a new sail and board in Boracay’s Bulabog Beach.

Guided by winds reaching up to 15 knots, Radis’ sail easily skimmed the tough slalom course as the fancied Australian warded off the challenge of Keichi Kobayashi and Conrad Kerber of Guam.

Antiqua’s Marcus Tomblin and the Philippines’ German Paz managed to land fourth and fifth, respectively, in the overall rankings.

 "I am confident of winning the Cup again this year. I have a new sail, a new board, and I have been working very hard in preparation for this competition. I have been racing also in Australia prior to Boracay. I think I have a good chance of winning again," Radis said.

Boracay junior bets Gilbert and Guido Gileto, on the other hand, made a strong showing in the 16-year-old and below class although Taiwan’s wonder boy Hao Chang topped the overall rankings after nine heats.

Manila-based Lance Joson ranked second in the Juniors Class.

In the ladies class, Japan’s Ayako Suzuki shocked the local crowd as she bested philstar.com star athlete and ladies class defending champion Nenette Graf in the rankings.

Showing terrific form and perfect turning technique, Suzuki even edged out some male participants in several heats.

However, Graf, who placed second overall, still feels confident that she’ll take over Suzuki in the next few days.

Aside from slalom races, it also features the Addict Mobile Speed Trials, which is a mixed-class, radar gun-measured individual run, Andrew Owen, Adecco AWT organizer explained.