Wait and see mode for Micro Cup, ROP 24

Napu Outrigger Canoe Club’s youth paddlers push hard on their way to the finish line of the 1,000m event during last year’s Micronesian Cup held in Guam. (Micronesian Cup Guam Photo)

With Tropical Storm Yutu projected to pass through Saipan Wednesday night, organizers of two competitions have yet to decide whether they will go ahead or rescheduled their events.

“For now, we will continue to make final preparations for our event and pray for good weather. We will closely monitor the weather development before making a decision,” Northern Marianas National Paddle Sports Federation president Justin Andrew said.

The local paddling group is scheduled to host the 20th Micronesian Cup this weekend with races starting on Friday and running until Sunday. The Micro Cup will feature Saipan paddlers battling teams from Guam and Palau.

“It could be bad news for our event if it hits us or even comes close with strong winds,” Andrew added.

Meanwhile, Rites of Passage 24: Ragin’ Rumble set for this Friday at the Marianas Business Plaza parking lot may or may not push through, depending on the weather.

“With the potential threat that Tropical Storm Yutu possesses, we may be forced to cancel our fight on Friday. In the meantime, let’s remain positive and committed to having the event until such time we are issued a statement from the governor declaring Typhoon Condition 2 or 3,” said Cuki Alvarez of Trench Tech, which is the promoter of ROP 24.

“We will keep a close watch and be giving out regular statements to the public and fight fans as the storm gets closer. I’m thinking that by Wednesday evening or Thursday morning, we should have a definitive answer on whether we will cancel or not. Stay Safe everyone and prepare in case,” Alvarez added.

ROP has lined up 16 fights, starting off with a pair of boxing matches. It will be followed by a kickboxing triple-header and eight preliminary MMA bouts. For the featured events, there will be two Saipan versus Guam MMA fights (Trench Tech’s Mark “The Dark” Nuique vs Vida BJJ Guam’s Pete Benavente and Zach Benavente against Trench Tech’s Vince “The Clinch” Masga), while a special kickboxing bout between Trench Tech’s Shane “Pikaboo” Alvarez and Steel Athletics’ Jeff Mesa will cap off the night.

Besides the Micro Cup and ROP 24, another big event—Ironman 70.3 Saipan—will take place this weekend. The triathlon race is scheduled for this Saturday and Saipan Tribune sought for updates from the Marianas Visitors Authority about the event, but MVA has yet to respond as of press time. (With reports from Roselyn B. Monroyo)