Oscar Coggins, Mengying Zhong sparkle in Subic

MANILA, Philippines — Hong Kong bet Oscar Coggins made a triumphant debut in men’s elite competition while China’s Mengying Zhong made a successful title defense in the women’s side in the 26th NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) Asian Cup at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone yesterday.

Coggins, now campaigning in the men’s elite from the junior ranks, took advantage of his familiarity with hot weather to top the event in 1:49.20.

“I like the hot weather. I have been training in Australia the past two months, but I really did not ease up until the finish line. I am happy with my time, “ said Coggins who took the lead at the six-kilometer mark and steadily pulled away from the rest.

Five Japanese finished behind Coggins, with reigning Asian Games champion and top seed Jumpei Furuya checking at second in 1:49.30 while Takumi Hojo placed third in 1:49.45. Rounding out the top five were Shiruba Taniguchi win 1:50.11 and Yuichi Hosoda in 1:50.36.

Nineteen-year-old Cebuano Andrew Remolino made good impression as he upstaged older and more experienced national teammates with his 17th place finish in 1:54.49, his first sub two-hour race.