World Slasher draws record field

MANILA, Philippines - The 2010 World Slasher Cup 8-Cock Invitational Derby has already lured a record field of 240 with more requests for cockhouse reservations 12 days before the big event is held Jan. 18 at the Araneta Coliseum.

The previous record for the most number of participants in the annual event, dubbed as the Olympics of cockfighting, was 207 during the 2009 World Slasher Cup-I.

Sonny Lagon of Blue Blade has confirmed to field in four entries, including his much talked-about Swites (Sweater-White). Lagon recently bagged the Laguna Gamefowl Breeders Association’s 2009 Breeder of the Year title, which he shared with Pol Estrellado. Both have their farms in San Pablo City.

Now on its 47th year, the January edition of the world’s most prestigious cockfighting competition is set Jan. 18, 19, 20, 21 & 23 at the Big Dome. It will be hosted by the Pintakasi of Champions.

Meanwhile, defending champion Marcel Julao will also field in Sweater-Lemons; McLean/Lemon-Sweater Kelso; Kabayo Hatch/Lemon and Grey/Lemon aces in the blue-ribbon event.

Peping Ricafort’s PTK Yucatan posted the last back-to-back victory in the World Slasher Cup in 2000 when it won in January then scored a repeat in June.

The other former winner joining the event is Gengen Arayata of Cavite, who won his first Slasher Cup in January 2007 with his Super Clyde and KC entry before bagging his second title in January of 2008 with his bets Super Clyde and YCE II.

A powerhouse cast of foreign contingent is also competing in the event, headed by Ray Alexander of Alabama; Roger Roberts of Georgia; Brad Padgette of Oregon; Hawaiian entry Lahaina Boys led by Kali Casco; Jeff Hudspeth and Tom Cooper, both from North Carolina; Rodel Costales and Jorge Torres of California; Wilbert LeBlanc of Oklahoma; Mike Formosa of Hawaii and Jorge Goitia, also from California.

For details, contact Boy San Pedro or Dong Lamoste at 911-2928 or 911-3101 loc. 8361 or 8351 or log on to www.aranetacoliseum.com and www.ticketnet.com.ph.