Paul del Rosario sinks King’s Cup rivals

Filipino jet ski champion Paul del Rosario proved his mettle anew when he snared the Pro-Am Runabout Open crown in the recent 2011 Thailand King’s Cup-World Cup Jet Ski Grand Prix.

The victory was a fitting follow-up to Del Rosario’s breakthrough triumph in the 2010 QuakySense-TJSBA event, considered the Formula One of jet ski, in Arizona.

Del Rosario survived the tricky surf on Jomtien Beach in Pattaya to thwart the opposition that included 16-year-old former junior world champion Toshi Ohara of Japan and expert jet ski world titlist Abdullah Alfadhel of Kuwait.

The Filipino ace topped the first three moto races and sealed the title by checking in second behind Toshi in the final moto.

Del Rosario’s teammate, the legendary Nicolas Ruis of France, won the Pro Open crown.

“It’s the first time the Philippine flag was waved during the victory parade here,” Del Rosario said from the resort city of Pattaya.

Del Rosario was a favorite among the spectators and was presented by organizers as a half-Thai racer.

“I thank the people of Thailand and the organizers for the warm welcome and support,” he said.

The Jet Ski King’s Cup is one of the most important events on the professional jet-ski calendar with this year’s edition drawing racers from 35 countries in five continents.