Motocross race ends in stalemate

Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra

New Zealand's Peter Robert Broxholme and his Japanese rival Yuya Ozaki shared the glory at the third Asian Motocross Championship series here on Sunday.

The two red-hot favorite crossers won a leg each in the two- round race at Maryland Paya Pasir circuit for a two-way tie on the top of the standings with 45 points.

Ozaki, riding a Yamaha, was the first to beat Broxholme in the opening moto, which saw the New Zealander, on a Honda, set the pace before a fall in the 10th minute cost him victory. The Japanese rider made the full use of his rival's ordeal, completing the remaining 10 minutes plus two laps unchallenged.

With Broxholme poised to avenge his defeat, Ozaki suffered mixed fortunes in the second race. The Japanese was leading the pack and on course for a double when Broxholme burst in front in the ninth minute and pipped him in the two-horse race.

The results mean the championship winner will be decided in the final race to be held in Sepang, near Kuala Lumpur on Nov. 11. Ozaki won the first stop, while Broxholme took the second.

Indonesian crossers failed to match their foreign counterparts, except Irwan Ardiansyah who came closer to making a podium finish in the second moto on Sunday.

The Yogyakarta native was on course for the third place when Joe Harvey of Australia overtook him in the dying minute. Irwan had to be content for the fourth place.

"To me the national crossers deserve a thumbs up for their efforts today. Finishing fourth is a good achievement," the event's promoter Helmy Sungkar said.