RIYADH, 10 May — The Saudi Ericsson (SES) Darters, coached by Willy Bariuan and Ely Martos won a pressure-packed come-from-behind battle against strong contender Conqueror of Rod Viray at the Cues Recreation Center last Friday. The victors finally overcome Conqueror’s raging force after suffering two loses from them that led their team to second position in Class A Division. SES will contest for the championship crown opposite Ace Darters in the next encounter today while Conquerors brought home the 2nd place honors.
The Conqueror’s pounded heavy fires in the singles sweeping a remarkable 6 points and donated only 2 to SES putting their opponent in a difficult situation to win at least two doubles in order to stretch the game until the final leg, the four-man team match.
SES starter Ely Martos and Jehriel Alberto got back into action and grabbed the first doubles from Rod Viray and Jerry Perolino adding 2 points for their side, 4-6. Conqueror’s second pair Lito Inguito and Manny Tabia staged a quick retaliation against a Willy Bariuan/Sammy Abarientos tandem and moved their team to an advantageous 8-4 lead. A win by the Conqueror in the last doubles would conclude their victory but a lost will give SES a chance in the final leg.
Conquerors entered Edward Estacio and Art Gotengco for the last doubles while SES fielded Jerome Ugat and Rex Abrenica. Both sides exchanged equal fires until Jerome was gifted the first out shot of 40. He misfired twice and hit single 20 with his last pin. With only 89 points left, Edward Estacio aimed for a triple 19 and hit a single instead but ended an outstanding 32 setting for his partner. The SES team joyfully celebrated a big yes as Rex Abrenica finished a D10 out-shot.
In the final leg, the SES team regained energy and pulled away by as much as 150 points from a T20 and a Toner (100) produced by Willy Bariuan and Ely Martos respectively. Under tremendous pressure, Conqueror’s Edward Estacio and Art Gotengco could only hit as much as 45 that kept their scores in slow pace. The crowd drew heavier when it was Jerome Ugat’s turn for a 108. His three darts hit a S20, S16 and a S20 producing only 56. With 198 more to go for Conqueror, Rod Viray completed only a 66 for a 132 outing for his side. Ely Martos of SES aimed accurately and hit a S20 with his first pin then stood calmly and readied for his 2nd pin. He missed the target but correctly hit D16 with his last pin. SES prevailed the game at 9-8 with a big applause from the audience.
Meanwhile, in Division B, STR Taytay of Jimmy Javier denied Phoenix of Nerio Brosas in the first session, 10-4 but bowed down to the toned up Wild Bulls headed by Alex Suyo in the second session of the stepladder contest in Class B Division. Wild Bulls will go up against First Flight today and will contest for 2nd and 1st runner-up crown. Whoever wins will battle for championship over current leader, Destroyer of Vic del Agua.
This prestigious event is organized by the Expat Darters of Saudi Arabia, a prime association of dart aficionados based in the capital city sponsored by Power Horse Energy Drink, the no. 1 energy drink in the Kingdom through the full backing support of Ahmed Al-Haroon, the Country Manager. It is hosted by Cues Recreation Center, the official venue of dart tournaments in Riyadh headed by Khaled Al-Subaei.
