Pia Gabriel (right) gives words of encouragement to brother Ompong before a race. At left is their mother Rosanna. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Daredevil Bornzkie Mangosong of Yamaha Racing proved unbeatable for the third straight time in the centerpiece Shell Advance Pro Open, even as Pia Gabriel shared the limelight in the 2019 MMF Supercross Championships recently at the Mx Messiah Fairgrounds in Taytay, Rizal.
The pride of Davao City, thus, padded his total to 75 points, 11 points ahead of closest pursuer Ralph Ramento in the hugely-popular series supported by Gencon, Shell Advance, Yamaha Motor Ph, Dunlop, Rich Bian Taxi, Fox Head Ph, Coffee Grounds, MMF Academy, Vermosa , NAMSSA and Best Taytay.
Nueva Ecija’s Gabriel, however, delighted the sun-burned, cheering crowd when she took top spot in the Ladies Class en route to 72 overall points, ahead of second-leg winner Jasmin Jao, who finished fourth this time. Quiana Reyes held on to third overall by taking second spot behind Gabriel and 60 overall points.
The 20-year-old Jao’s bid for a back-to-back to win suffered when she figured in a spill.
A third year Mass Communication student at Wesleyan University, Gabriel also gained attention as she led the Amateur Open Production for all ages and gender after three rounds with 50 points.
The 21-year-old Gabriel won the second leg but a bad start led to her failure to have a podium finish.
Maynard Mercado finished second to Jordan Herrera to trail Gabriel by a solitary point, followed by Rico Herrero with 47, Ace Ligon with 42 and Jano Mercado with 37 points.
Herrera, who saw action for the first time due to his hectic schedule, is tied with Rhon Mangosong and Michael Tschop with 25 points.
‘‘Thank you to the Shell Advance Supercross and Mx Messiah Fairgrounds for giving us a stage were we can showcase our abilities … And most especially to my lord and saviour Jesus Christ , for the wonderful experiences that molds me to become ready for the task that awaits me in the future,’’ said the 27-year-old Mangosong,who actually started the race at the back of the pack before making his move.
Pia’s younger brother Ompong salvaged fifth spot to keep third spot with 54 points, followed by CK Ramento with 49 points. Third placer Mitch Rivera, who did not compete in the first leg, hiked his overall tally to 40 points after his second consecutive third-place finish.
Racing legend Jolet Jao, absent in the second leg, posted 30 overall points, racing against the young turks
of motocross.
Jao continued to dominate the Veterans Open with his third straight victory for a total of 75 points, followed by Jing Leongson with 66 points. Leongson finished second to Jao in the last three legs.
Alfred Maximo is in third place with 54 points, followed by Dennis Teves (36 pts), Begie Bucag and Mario Morallo had 20 points each. Both saw action for the first time.
Darnel Francisco ruled the Executive Production Open but it was Jojo Sayas, who continued to lead with 64 points. Francisco did not compete in the first two legs.
Dennis Mariano grabbed third spot for second overallwith 52 points, followed by Ruel Gullon with 38 points. Dave de Leon is fourth overall with 32 points, while Dale Salvatus is fifth with 28 points.
Tschopp reigned supreme in the Amateur Open Production for riders 17-year-old and below, while Abdul Sandani got first place in the Beginners Open Production.
Samuel Wayet is leading the Amateur Open Production with 60 points, followed by Lleyton Fellizar with 49 points. John Kenneth Saligao remains in third spot with 47 points, two points ahead of David Malgapo.
Oyo Sotto finished fourth in the Beginners Open for a total of 62 points. Boy Pagkatipunan is in third overall with 62 points, followed by Rizel Remolacio (45 pts) and Paul Cristobal (38 pts).
Carl Celestino banners the field in the 65cc class (Age 11 and below) after winning his third straight race for a perfect 75 points. Christopher Mercado is at second with 60 points, followed by Jake Kayden Tabangay with 45 points. Riyhanna Villacorta is fourth with 42 points, while Shane Vernice Tamayo is in fifth spot with 38 points.