MANILA, Philippines — Japanese Daiki Sasaki of Kuwayama Racing looms as the biggest threat to the Filipinos’ title bids in two karting tournaments – the 2011 Petron Karting Super Series and the kickoff of the 2012 Denso KF2-KF3 Cup Series Saturday at the Carmona Racetrack.

The 20-year-old Sasaki is coming off impressive showing in Japan’s Formula Challenge and the Asia-Pacific Formula BMW. Last year, he competed in two races and won both convincingly. Also in the mix are six Australian karters whose presence will certainly add excitement to the event.

But the Filipinos, led by defending KF2 champion VJ Suba of FERN-C Racing and four-time defending national champion Stefano Marcelo are confident of their chances in two karting events sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and sponsored by Petron Blaze, San Miguel Corporation, Motorstar and Aeromed.

Suba was a consistent polesitter last season despite using an old rented engine from Kart Plaza and won three of the six races.

N.C.A. Derby

The best in Philippine cockfighting battle in the National Cockers Alliance (NCA) derby on Tuesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The derby, to be hosted by Manny and Arman Santos, is exclusive only for the top cockers and gamefowl breeders. Invited guests are Rexy Faustino, Buboy delos Santos, Joey delos Santos, Bong Pineda, Bebot Roxas and Gov. Eddiebong Plaza. Meanwhile, Cong. Patrick “Idol” Antonio ruled the derby last Jan. 24 after a tight contest.

Finishing second with 4 points were “GE Emman” of Mayor Glen Eduarte, “RM Renegade” of Rene Medina and “Sanleo” of Mayor Ellan Nagaño. In third place with 3.5 points were “Mulawin” of Cong. Rudy Albano, “Goldquest Champions” of Osang dela Cruz, “CPB JGT AAO” of George Torres, and “Feb. 8 & 11 SJC” of Bong Pineda.

Milo Chess

The year-round Milo-sponsored Checkmate chess clinics will start its first batch of weekend classes today at the Eton Cyberpod Corinthian Bldg. 1 in Ortigas Avenue. The classes at Eton will be conducted on weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Classes at Kinderville Learning Center in Retiro, Quezon City will start on Feb. 18 and will only be held during Saturdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Courses offered are for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels.

Iloilo Derby

Bacolod’s top gamefowl breeder Johnny Jalandoni shared the limelight with five others in the just-concluded 2012 Candelaria 7-Cock International Derby at the Iloilo Coliseum in Jaro, Iloilo.

He and five others wound up with six points to share the top honors in the event hosted by Chito Tinsay and sponsored by Thunderbird Romoxtyl and Thunderbird Ganador Max. Lance dela Torres wound up with 5.5 points.

The victory was the fourth for Jalandoni - first with Bobby Tan and 3 with Lando Layson via the Pangga entry.

U.A.A.P.

La Salle tries to extend its winning streak in women’s volleyball and men’s tennis while Adamson University shoots for its eighth straight win in softball in UAAP Season 74 action today in various venues.

The Lady Archers eye a 12-0 win-loss record in women’s volleyball when they battle the hapless University of the Philippines Lady Maroons at 3:30 p.m. at the San Juan Arena.

Adamson University tries to stay in the hunt for a semis seat and join early qualifiers La Salle and Ateneo when it takes on University of the East at 2p.m.