Enriquez outwits top bets in Magnolia underbone

MANILA, Philippines - Former Underbone King Johnlery Enriquez ruled the premier 150cc Open class recently to boost his bid for the crown in the penultimate leg of the 2009 Magnolia Health Tea Philippine Underbone King Championships at the Carmona Circuit Philippines.

Enriquez controlled the tempo throughout to turn back top favorites Maico Buncio of YRS-Elf Moto Oil and Masato Fernando in this event sanctioned by the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association (NAMSSA) and sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Magnolia Health Tea, Aeromed, Inside Racing and Pagcor.

Enriquez wrapped up the 12-lap race in nine minutes, 45.657 seconds, 4.380 seconds ahead of runner-up Fernando. Buncio checked in third 14.786 seconds behind.

With the win, he moved up third overall with 198 points as Fernando now wrested the overall lead with 221 points.

It was a disappointing stint for Buncio who slipped to second place with 216 points, five points behind Fernando. But he romped away with three titles in the 130cc Open, 115cc. Open and the 115cc. Sports Production.

He posted just 0.822 of a second against Anthony Roman to complete a sweep in the 130cc. Open with a time of 10 minutes, 22.344 seconds.

It was a big risk for Buncio who was forced to race with a 115cc engine when his 130cc. modified bike got busted in the pre-final.