Riding in pain, Kenneth San Andres made a successful return to the scene of his recent triumphs as he ruled the premier Pro Open of the 2009 Supercross Series seventh leg at the Speedworld Supercross Track at the SM City in Bicutan.

The multi-titled pride of Valenzuela City actually skipped the series’ Round 6 following a right-hand injury sustained in practice merely two days prior to the leg.

After a two-month rehab and a clearance to ride from no less than famed sports doctor Dr. Raul Canlas, San Andres was allowed to race in the seventh round of the series held under the auspices of the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association (NAMSSA).

The Manila Central University Information Technology student, who is backed by Oakley, Bridgestone Tires, HJC Helmets, Fox Racing, Polisport, EZ Trailer, Inside Racing, JBS Motorcycle Parts and Accessories, and Bike Plus, wasted little time in announcing his return. He topped the Final Heat of the centerpiece Pro Open, beating back the challenge of fast-rising Dondon Yuson by as much as 50 meters. JC Rellosa finished third.

Yuson, who according to San Andres, plays fair on the race track, actually jumped the gun on the field at the start, with San Andres giving chase. But by the seventh lap, San Andres, who uses his favorite No. 7 as a jersey number even though he is allowed to use No. 1 because of his standing in the series, overtook Yuson and stayed up front until the finish.

“It’s nice to be back, although there is still a slight pain in my right hand, which is only natural considering the gruelling nature of the sport and my two-month absence from competitive racing,” said San Andres, who despite missing a round, still leads the Pro Open and Pro 125 categories after piling up enough points in the first five legs.

San Andres, the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s top awardee for motocross last year, also skipped Round 2 of the FIM-Asian Motocross Championship in Mongolia last month due to his injury.

“Kaya nga it was imperative for me to get a feel of actual competition because I really don’t want to join the third leg of the Asian series not a hundred percent,” said San Andres, referring to the FIM bikefest slated on Sept. 26 and 27 to be hosted by NAMSSA right at the Supercross track in Bicutan.

But prior to that, San Andres is setting his sights first on Round 8 of the Supercross series on Sept. 11 and 12.

“Tamang-tama, may isa pang leg ng national series prior to the Asian championships, which I need badly to be in tip-top shape,” said San Andres. “I need it to increase my stamina and reflexes.”