Century Tuna triathlon lures tough field

LUKE McKenzie won’t be around to defend the men’s crown, but four of his compatriots will try to keep the title with Australia when the Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon fires off tomorrow at the Subic Freeport in Zambales.

Casey Munro, Justin Granger, Michael Murphy and Eric Watson head the Australian delegation in the 1.5K swim-40K bike-10K run race that drew a stellar international field.

Slovakian Michael Bucek, winner of the Bizent Bali International Olympic Distance Triathlon and the 2013 70.3 Challenge Taiwan, is also among the early favorites together with Hungarian Simon Agoston, who ruled the 2013 Hua Hin and Bangkok triathlons.

Another Australian hopes to keep the women’s crown as Belinda Granger, winner of the Challenge Taiwan and the 2013 Ironman 70.3 in Hawaii, guns for a third straight title.

Out to spoil Granger’s bid are Swiss Caroline Steffen, who topped Ironman Australia Asia-Pacific in Melbourne last March, and pro Jodie Scott.

Local standout Monica Torres, who reigned in the Asian Elite division of the 2014 Challenge Philippines, heads the Philippine campaign in the event that offers a total prize pot of $10,000 in the pro division.  Jasmine W. Payo