INQUIRER Sports

ROBY BENITO HELD OFF JAVI BENitez to reign supreme in the fifth leg of the 2009 Magnolia Purewater Karting Super Series at the Enchanted Kingdom Ekart Track in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Benito made his move in the 15th lap, zooming infront of the Jet Racing bet, before fending off Benitez?s attempts to regain in the lead near the end of the 26-lap race.

It was the second consecutive series victory for Benito, who clocked 13 minutes and 52.080 seconds, just a tenth of a second ahead of Benitez.

Despite the victory, Benito is still way behind teammate Joey Orduna, 256-214, in the premiere ROK Overall class. Orduna, who finished third, also leads Benito in the ROK Junior division, 300-286.

Juha Turalba, wound up fourth, followed by Cebuano Patrick Gandionco, who produced a late rally to salvage fifth.

In the Formula SL Expert class, John Suba stole the thunder from the seasoned bets, coming from behind to beat John Castelar, Joel Caniza and series leader Indy Villalon.

Suba ruled the 22-lap race in 12 minutes and 43.706 seconds or 1.333 seconds ahead of Castelar, Caniza and Villalon.

In other races, Patrick Gandionco overcame Joseph Castelar in the ROK Heavy class and Mike Fox scored a sweep to rule the Formula SL Heavy division over Archie Rubio and Von Medrano.