RIYADH, 22 August 2003 — Ace Metro Star and SkyFreight STR ousted rivals Visayan Cargo Bulls and Expo as the stepladder knockout continued in the Inter-Cargo Dart tournament played at the Cues Recreation Center here.
Visayan Cargo Bulls, the toughest among the rookie teams, finished with only three points courtesy of Ruben Tamayo, Ronald Cawagas and Alex Suyo while Ace Metro Star scored the remaining five points through Rod Viray, Abet Apon, Vic Manaois, Sandly Alegre and Mannie Barroga for a 5-3 lead going into the doubles.
Ace’s pair of veterans Vic Manaois-Abet Apon prevailed over Ronald Cawagas and Resty dela Pena in the first doubles. With pressure chilling their fingertips, Bull’s second pair of Eding Galera and Alex Suyo failed in a must-win game. Ace’s Mannie Barroga unleashed the fatal 41 out shot that blew the Bulls’ hopes of advancing into the finals. Final score was 9-3 in Ace’s favor.
In the other board, Noel de Leon’s SkyFreight STR limited the Expo team to only one point going to the doubles. STR’s Oliver Cruz paired with top gun Fred Villapando in the first doubles, and he pinned the last dart of 8 that finished Expo, 9-1. Although losers, Expo team proved their guts and showed flashes of brilliance.
Vic Manaois and Alex Suyo pinned down their respective opponents as the MVP showdown got off with a flying start last Friday. Manaois powdered Doy del Moral in the even bracket while rookie darter Suyo paid no respect to senior player Rudy Metrillo in the odd bracket.
Both players advanced in the ladder and will meet with the next contingents on top, in thrillers today as the remaining teams and MVP qualifiers in the ladder battle for the coveted titles.
Dart aficionados are welcome to witness the events every Friday starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Cues Recreation Center where admission is free.
