INQUIRER Sports

INDY VILLALON AND YOUNG KARTERS Estefano Rivera and Marino Sato ruled in separate divisions to power the Philippine team to a runner-up finish in the 2009 Asian Karting Open Championship recently at the S.C. Motorsport Circuit in Saraburi, Thailand.

Villalon bagged the Yamaha Cup Seniors championship, but it?s the 13-year-old Rivera who grabbed the spotlight after capping an impressive debut with the Yamaha Cup Junior crown.

Sato completed the country?s three-gold romp by clinching the overall Asian Mini-ROK plum.

The Philippines copped three of the 11 titles at stake to finish behind overall champion Indonesia, which dominated with five crowns.

Thailand?s Tin Sritrai emerged as the Asian Karter of the Year for the second straight season after nipping runner-up and top RP bet Juha Turalba of Ready2Race for the top individual honor by eight points.

Rivera of PCR-Tough Gear Racing-FERN, a Grade 7 student of JASMS-Manila, dominated an experienced field led by Archim Lagman and John Castelar of AUTS Racing.

Sato similarly turned back rivals that included compatriot Christian Gaddi.

Ryan Anthony Monoarfa bagged the Rotax Max Senior overall title to lead Indonesia?s championship run.

Other winners include: Indonesia?s Presley Martomo (Cadet 60), Denzel Sofyan (ROK Junior), Andhika Sasabone (Rotax Max Junior), Mohammad Sharif Raharjo (Formula 125 Open Junior) and Singapore?s John Zhang (overall ROK Senior). Jasmine W. Payo