Phl finishes third in Asian moto

MANILA, Philippines - Mark Reggie Flores turned in a second overall finish in the Asian Junior 85cc category while Kenneth San Andres salvaged sixth place in the Pro 125 category as Team NAMSSA-Philippines finished third in the Asian Nations Cup of the FIM Asia Motocross Supercross Championship in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia recently.

The Phl took the second runner-up honors behind champion Thailand and runner-up Japan based on the placings of Flores and San Andres in Round 2 of the Asian series. The competition is decided by the aggregate scores of riders from the participating countries in various categories.

Flores finished second overall in the Asian Junior 85cc category to currently lead the series with 94 points after two rounds, leading his Round 2 conqueror Mongolian hotshot Munkhbolar Khishigmunk, who has 80 points.

The 13-year-old San Pablo City pride Flores ruled the series’ opener last April in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

San Andres got slowed down by mechanical problems and settled for sixth in the Pro 125 category of the Asian event, topped by Thailand’s Arnon Theplib.

The event drew riders from Mongolia, the Philippines, Thailand, Japan, Guam, China, Korea, United Arab Emirates, Australia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, India, Saipan, Macau, New Zealand, Singapore and Iran, competing in the categories of 85 cc, 125/MX2 and veterans class.

San Andres, who is backed by Oakley, Bridgestone Tires, Polisport, FOX, Go Pro, HJC Helmets, Auto Plus, Motul Philippines, Bike Plus, Inside Racing, Starting Line Magazine, EZ Trailer, JBS Motorcycle Shop and GCG Pipe, was coming off a twinkill in the 2012 Philippine Olympic Committee-Philippine Sports Commission National Games, where he crushed the challenge of veteran Jovie Saulog (second) and rising star Jerrick Mitra in both the motos of the Pro 125.

Flores matched the double win with victories in the Junior 85 cc over Gabriel Macaso and Radzie Kallahal.