JEDDAH, 1 June 2004 — In the aftermath of hard-fought battles over the dartboards, the elimination round of JEDI Open Singles tournament sponsored by Giordano and First Quadrant (Galli Lozano Group) held at Orient Pearl Restaurant ended up with Class “A” darter Rey Guarin garnering the best score of 25-8 win-loss card after scoring 9 impressive wins during the last game to emerge on top of 16 successful qualifiers, who will advance and see action in the much awaited quarterfinals, from the field of 34 participants.
Consistently leading in the previous rounds, Class ‘O’ Roland Tabing lightheartedly played his no-bearing matches during the game and conceded for the 2nd seat with 24-9 win-loss card, while Oca Moreno and the unpredictable Victor Valdez seized the 3rd and 4th seats with identical 23-10 records to make the top four qualifiers. Trailing the lead pack in 5th to 8th positions with matching 21-12 tally were Fred Apaya, Henry Buraq, who’s T80 went to nothing against Moreno, Jun “Idol” Jison, and the startling newcomer Fred Santiago who marked an unprecedented perfect 5-0 score in the first round with two devastating T80’s.
Seemingly jubilant, Pat Cortez grabbed the 9th spot after re-surging in the remaining rounds from a poor start with only one win to end up with 20-13 card. Meanwhile, confident to secure the remaining limited slots, the bunch led by Class ‘O’ Rey Formanes together with much-improved Class ‘A’ darters Ed Tuico, Paul Ajunan, Onoy Villamin, Jack Rubica, and Romy Artieda, who overwhelmed Fred Lacap with a whooping 15 darts finish, unleashed their second-win punches and reaped 19-14 win-loss card equally to gain the 10th to 15th seats, respectively.
In the most dramatic situation of the game, a decisive round robin was called for the five contenders who finished with identical 18-15 win-loss cards to vie for the last two vital qualifying slots. With the delighted fans cheering and watching the crucial games to the last pin, the climax of the thrilling battle of nerves shattered the hopes of Jun Lopez, Fred Lacap and Ruben Villamin after Kelly Panalandang of Fakeeh Hospital and Boy “D’ Cute” August sealed the 16th and 17th final slots with 3-1 win-loss cards to conclude the elimination round. Other remarkable records registered during the game were Jerry Abanda’s T80 against Armand Palaganas and Jack Rubica’s stunning 13 darts finish against proverbial Class “O” Manny Necessito who failed to qualify by seven defaulted games.
The succeeding quarterfinal round of this event will be played in 501/best of 3 legs/set, round robin, point system format, and in case of a tie, the “win over the other rule” will be applied. Joining the 17 qualifiers in the quarterfinal rounds that will give more spices and icing to the game are the 2003 Open Singles runners-up Caloy Jalbuna, Chris Amores and Lito Encabo.
Glittering trophies, plus a TV set for the champion, DVD player for the 1st runner-up, courtesy of Arnel Abogado, sales manager of Kababayan Filipino food products, and surprise gifts for 2nd and 3rd runners-up courtesy of generous co-sponsors Ed Pamintuan, Rani Drinks, Nivea and Farnas Cargo awaits the winners of this tournament.
Meanwhile, First Quadrant ME is eager to conduct a business orientation meeting (BOM) to any interested Filipino individual/groups and may contact Galli at 054632168 or Cass at 059753829. For further information, contact J. Quinto 059746407, J. Labanda 052357192, L. Pineda 052707694, or E. Pamintuan 057433697. ([email protected] )
