WORLD SLASHER CUP-2 BEGINS TODAY AT THE BIG DOME

THE best and the brightest cockers will gather for the world’s biggest cockfighting event, the 2010 World Slasher Cup-2 Hawaiian 8-Cock Invitational Derby finally unwraps today, 10 am at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

A total 108 competitors initially lockhorns today while another 80 entries collide on Tuesday for the right to advance to the 2-cock semis on June 2 and 3, respectively.

Finalists battle for the title on Saturday with the 4-cock ultimate face-off.

Sonny Magtibay, winner in the Bakbakan 10-Stag National Derby and in the 2010 World Slasher Eight-Cock International Derby early this year, once again parades his prized fighting cocks, seeking for a third major title.

Renowned Filipino breeders defending the home front in the five-day derby include Raymund Velayo, Sonny Lagon, Nene Abello, Boy Marzo, Dicky Lim, Otec Geroso, Baham Mitra, Jesry Palmares, Joe Laureño, Cito Alberto, Honey Yu, Boy Lechon, Pol Estrellado and Honey Yu.

“It’s anybody’s ball game,” said Raymund Velayo, also the president of Arnis Philippines Inc.

Bernie Tacoy, Pol Estrellado, Boy Jiao, Boy Tuazon, Pao Malvar, Joey Sy, Tol and Lino Mariano, Jun, Bong and Bobot Tan, Lawrence Wacnang, Manny Dalipe, Mayor Bobby Clemente, Victor Sierra and Bebot Monsanto have also confirmed their participation.

During the press conference at Gateway Suites in Gateway Mall in Cubao on Saturday, the Filipino bets said they are determined to win the latest edition of what has been generally considered as “The Olympics of World Cockfighting.”

Hosted by Pintakasi of Champions and co-presented by Thunderbird, the eight-cock derby drew a formidable contingent from Hawaii called “Hula-Slashers.”

The group includes Mike Formosa, Chris Balmores, Paul Romias, Chris Casilan, John McEnroe, Rolly Bantam, Chris Burgest, Butch Cambra, Puna White, Isaac Manalo, Kali Casco, Matthew Leong, Willy Casco, Miles Oyasatu, Howard Inafuku, Jaz Takeusi, Jace Kanemoto, and lady cocker Tuesday Barredo.

Also include Roger Roberts of Georgia, Ray Alexander and Tyrone Kennedy of Alabama, Sedfrey Linsangan of Guam, Jorge “Goy” Goitia, Rodel Costales, Jeff Hudspeth and Jorge Torres of California, Zosimo Antivo of Las Vegas, Clarence Perkins of Kentucky, Carol Nesmith of Oklahoma, Greg Berin of Australia, Tony Ang of Taiwan, Randy Hall of Texas, Peter Uren of Australia, Martin Barla and Jose Carcillar of Chicago.

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO.