SUBIC -- Defending champion Paul del Rosario of Team Networx made history when he posted his fourth straight perfect feat in the Stock Runabout 787-1200 class to emerge the 2000 Petron Jetski Series Rider of the Year at the Waterfront beach here.
The 19-year-old Del Rosario finished the five-leg series with 600 points as he became the first back-to-back Petron XCS Jetski champion of this series. John Dee, the 1998 champion, ended as runner-up with 569 points while Carlo "Mr. Energy" Baltao placed third overall with 566.
Del Rosario almost gave up hope considering he missed action in the first leg of the Stock Runabout 787-1200 class and was only running third behind 1998 champion John Dee and Pagadian-based Rene Pamaran prior to the championship round.
But Dee lost ground due to engine problems while Pamaran, who was leading after the first hydrocross race, failed to pass post-race technical scrutiny.
"This was the toughest championship round in years and I almost conceded," said Del Rosario.