RIYADH, 14 May 2004 — Absal Central A/C Dart Team led by team captain Ricky Virgula displayed superior dart prowess by giving Ace Darters their walking papers 12-9 in the second week of the step-ladder semifinals in the ongoing Power Horse Dart Team Challenge organized by the Expat Darters of Saudi Arabia (EDSA) and being held at the Basement Level of Manila Plaza Commercial Center in Batha, Riyadh.
Aircon Experts finished their opponents quickly by leading 3-0 in the early stage. The Aces retaliated to equalize the score 5-5 at the end of the first stage.
Dong Boholst of Absal did most of the damage, finishing his opponent in the Singles before teaming up with former team captain Eddie Almonte for the Double kill, equalizing the score at 9-all and forcing a decision match.
In the end game of the battle of endurance, the “Never-Say-Die” team of Ferdie Ortua, Ronald Reyes, Bogs Cruz and Ricky Virgula prevented their counterparts from hitting any ace. A top favorite for the award Most Improved Player, Ricky Virgula guided the quartet for the lead and Indian look-alike import Bogs Cruz applied the finishing touches.
SkyFreight-STR Dart Team led by team captain Jimmy Ballesteros continued their winning streak by quickly finishing defending champions Phoenix-Bakahan at Manukan, thereby eliminating them from the competition. Playing with a depleted line-up, the Taytay, Rizal-based Cargo Experts were leading 7-3 at the end of the first leg.
Wins by the Pinoy Food Masters slowed down their quest but the duo of hotshots Fred Villapando and Edgar Garcia proved that they were not to be denied. Final score 11-7.
Best players of the week all came from Absal Central Aircon Dart Team: Dong Boholst, Ricky Virgula and Bogs Cruz. They will be getting traveling bags, courtesy of Philippine Airlines.
Remaining teams in contention: First Quadrant-Wakaray, First Quadrant-D’Artists, Power Horse Energy Drink Darters, Alesayi Motors, Absal Central Aircon and SkyFreight-STR. Games are being held under the auspices of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh. Major sponsor First Quadrant Riyadh is conducting business orientation sessions to would-be business associates. Interested parties can contact Mobile 0501250667.
Meanwhile, Part II of the First Manila Plaza Classified Open Singles Dart Tournament commenced last Thursday evening and the event was inaugurated by EDSA President Romy Galvez. Registration is still ongoing and the competition is open to all dart enthusiasts — Class A, Class B and Beginners. Interested darters can contact Lino Leonardo, Mobile 0502198011, Dado Corpuz, Mobile 0501621943 or Jun Angara, Mobile 0502102235.
