Australian sailors rule Hobie Challenge

CEBU, Philippines -  World-class Australian sailors Bob Engwirda and Brad Wilson took the overall supremacy of the in-shore competition under the 14th Philippine Hobie Challenge yesterday at the Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan.

After ruling the first two races, Engwirda and Wilson continued to sail smoothly to Bantayan Island as they topped all three remaining races.

The in-shore action is like a circuit racing where all 20 teams from different countries race under loops with the fastest to cross the finish line wins.

Trailing behind Engwirda and Wilson are Grahame Southwick and Melisande Norton of Fiji and another Australian Andrew Lockey with Eric Tomacruz of Philippines.

 During the fourth race, Lockey and Toma Cruz tried to overtake Engwirda and Wilson, but the Australian duo proved to be too fast.  Mike Ngu and Cebuano Rosalido Pahayahay wound up third.

Engwirda and Wilson posted a perfect five as Lockey and Tomacruz settled for second place as Ngu and Pahayahay landed third overall.

From Bantayan, the action shifts to Cabugao Gamay in Iloilo and then Lakawon Island in Negros Occidental for the off-shore battle.  (FREEMAN)

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