Team Philippines won Gold in the 200 meter Premier Mixed and 200 meter Premier Open events, and Silver in the 500 Premier Open  in the much coveted 9th World Dragonboat Championship held in Prague on August 26 to 30, 2009.

Once again, our national team proved that Filipinos are world class  athletes this time in the Dragon Boat sports.

The RP Mixed Team got a remarkable lead time of 43.507 seconds against China’s 45.951 seconds. Germany came next at 48.625 time. Macau (49.562), Russia (49.734), and Poland (50.868) placed 4th, 5th and 6th respectively.

Meanwhile, the 200m Premier Open finals was a close heat between the Philippines and China. A sweet victory hovers the determined Philippine team as they advantaged China with a .10 sec, defending their title in the 200m Premier Open. Ranking next are Czech Republic (3rd), Germany (4th), Canada (5th), and Slovak Republic (6th).

Again, Philippines and China closely rivaled in the 500m Premier Open. This time, China topped the race with a 1:54.210 time against the Philippines’ 1:55.575.  Completing the top six are Russia (1:56.594), Germany (1:59.550), Hungary (2:02.263), and USA (2:02.490).

The Philippine Team was led by Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) President Marcia Cristobal, together with Technical Director Nestor Ilagan, Secretary General Judith Hakim, Men’s Team Coach Suhod Hakim and Women’s Team Coach Anabelle Tario.

The  Men’s crew were composed of Alex Sumagaysay, Cresanto Pabulayan, Diomedes Manalo, Jesus Asok Jr, Joemar Ocquina, Jose Ijalo, Joseph Magno, Junrey Dayumat, Perlito Idorot, Ramie Llano, Raymond Morales, Ric Nacional, Ricky Saderna, Rico Pradilla, Rolando Isidro Jr, Romel Donesa, Romy John Dionio, Ronald Tan, Ronniel Rafael, Rupert Sabijon, Salvador Sumagaysay, Usman Anterola.  On the other hand, the Women’s athletes who completes the Mix line up were Amina Anuddin, Ivory Ablig, Josette Deriada, Leonita Banlat, Ma. Ailene Padrones, Noelle Wenceslao, Ruditha Poralan, Stephanie Deriada, Theresa Realizan.

The first World Championship Dragon Boat Racing organized by the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) was in 1995 at Yueyang, China. Since then, it is being held every after two years, a grand event that National athletes yearns among the IDBF members dare not to miss. The 10th World Dragon Boat Racing Championship will be hosted in Tampa Bay, Florida, USA sometime in July-August 2011.

***See the official race results here:

Premier Mixed 200 Meter
http://www.dragonboat2009.com/download/results/090.pdf

Premier Open (Men’s Division) 200 Meter
http://www.dragonboat2009.com/download/results/139.pdf