MANILA, Philippines - Defending champions Patrick Antonio (Jan. 2011) and Art de Castro/Eddie Aparri (June 2010) posted back-to-back victories to lead the first batch of entries in the 2011 World Slashers Cup-2 8-Cock Invitational Derby at the Araneta Coliseum last Monday.
The two reigning champions are fancied to dominate their side of the semifinals today with 70 matches set to kick off at 2 p.m.
Also with 2-0 (win-loss) slates are Mayor Bernos of Abra (Jaybong & Friends), Boy Marzo (SabongVIP.com) and the Road Osprey of Bernie Tacoy and Angola-contractor Josue Bacolod of Davao.
Nestor Vendivil (Oliver WRN-1 & 2) scored three wins and one draw along with Ronnie Puno (Sundance Grey-1), Mayor Panganiban (Infiniti), Rey Briones of Spartans Game Farm, Rudy Albano (Mulawin), Councilors Marvin Rillo & Elmer Nepomuceno (Erwin-Marvin Oct. 25 Araneta), Buddy Robregado, Ex-Gov. Manny Piñol (Colt 39 Oregon), Wilson Ong (Octagon Rian WRN), Ricki Reyes (Rian FSA TNT WRN), Allan Siaco (AS Nowitzkit), Mario Villamor & Louie Zerrudo (Phoenix Tangub) and Mario Villamor/Angeles Bros. (Phoenix Juliana) along with American Wilbert LeBlanc of the Yellow Rose entry, Jim Clem and Hawaiian Howie Inafuko with Sonny Lagon (Sto. Angel).
Meanwhile, 80 entries are slugging it out in Group B action of the event hosted by the Pintakasi of Champions and presented by B-Meg Derby Ace, with Thunderbird Enertone as major sponsor.
The top finishes will clash in the semis tomorrow with the four-cock finals set on June 11 for Group A and on June 12 for Group B.