Yuan Chiongbian is Cebu's saving grace in Ironkids

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano Yuan Chiongbian saved his best for last to prevent host Cebu from a gold medal shutout in the Alaska Ironkids Philippines at Shangrila's Mactan Resort and Spa yesterday.

Chiongbian came in with a victorious pose - raising both his hands after winning the boys 11-12 division.

The 11-year-old Yuan Chiongbian finished the 300-meter open water swim, 10-kilometer bike and 2km run in 33 minutes and 46.6 second. Brent Valelo of Caloocan placed second in 34:28.2, while Nathan Nalo of Mabalacat, Pampanga wound up third with the time of 35:33.

Yuan's brother Justin got the silver in the 13-14 class won by Mark Gregory Pile. Justin finished clocked in 29:57.9, just 16 seconds behind Pile as Julius Constantino ended third in 30:10.4.

For the 14-year-old Pile, his recent triumph is worthiest in four of his victories this year.

"All my wins are worthy but this has got to be my biggest," said Pile, a third honor and varsity at Ateneo de Manila's long distance track team.

On the other hand, sisters Tara and Sam Borlain completed a one-two finish in the girls division for nine to 10 years old to highlight yesterday's Alaska Ironkids Philippines Triathlon that started and finished at the posh Shangri-La Mactan Resorts and Spa grounds here.

The pocket-sized but big-hearted Tara checked in first at 16 minutes and 48.9 seconds, raised her hands and blew kisses to the loud and appreciative weekend crowd that watched the annual event that had been staged for three years now.

It was Tara's 13th victory in the local scene since taking up the sport at a very tender age of six years old after convincing his father, 2006 Mr. Universe and former San Miguel strength and conditioning coach Ringo Borlain, to train her as a champion.

"I like competing, I like running the most because I fell like I'm flying," said Tara.

Tara's elder sister, 10-year-old Sam, came in seconds later in 17:16.1 but said she's happy to cheer for Tara. Everly Macalalad of Tunasan, Muntinlupa wound up third in 18:06.6 behind the Borlain siblings.

"While Tara's dream from the start is to make it to the Olympics, Sam is just contented finishing second behind her sister and cheer and support her," said Ringo Borlain, a former triathlete before turning to bodybuilding.

Juris Aaron Earl Tan, who is trained by his lawyer father Earl, reigned supreme in the boys' side by clocking 17:18.9 ahead of George Leather and Luigi Miguel Crisostomo, who timed in 17:55.4 and 18.03.8, respectively.— with Philippine STAR News Service - THE FREEMAN