JEDDAH, 16 April 2004 — Launched under the banner of Jeddah Expatriates Darters International’s (JEDI) scheduled big events in 2004, the qualifying round of the 15th Open Singles Dart Tournament sponsored by Giordano and First Quadrant ME (Galli Lozano Group) blasted off with a big bang last week at the Orient Pearl Seafood Restaurant which also featured the awarding of prizes to 2003 Open Singles Champion Rudy Padua and runners-up Caloy Jalbuna, Chris Amores and Lito Encabo in front of the excited crowd that packed the dart room. At the outset, JEDI prexy J. Quinto delivered the opening remarks, ensued by an inspirational message from board chairman Orly Mamaril who also pitched the ceremonial throw.
With a big number of contenders at 34 entries, virtually unknown newcomer Fred Santiago invaded the tough field of rated darters division with the assist of 2 dazzling T80’s, consistent trebles and accurate check-outs by clinching the solo lead with a perfect 5-0 win-loss card.
Tailing by a nose with identical 4-1 card, skilled darters Jun Lopez, Roland Tabing, Rey Guarin and Paul Ajunan pulled off 4 impressive straight wins. In the interim, Fred Lumontad was supreme in winning his first 3 matches, only to be outclassed later by the awesome power of Santiago who came nowhere out of the blue. In his last match, Lumontad played with nerves of steel to win the leg in a spectacular 14 darts finish against Fred Apaya whose 2nd T80 went to naught.
Joining the lead pack of 4 with 3 straight wins earlier, Oca Moreno lost his winning form and inevitably yielded against the aggresive Ed Tuico and Abet Canalita, while Cass ‘Handsome’ Bugaay, who registered the first T80 of the tournament, suffered two consecutive losses after committing unforced errors during set ups against Lopez and starter Jeffry Pedregosa who shattered his astonishing 2nd T80 to nil. Other aspirants with cluttered 3-2 win-loss cards are Manny Necessito, Henry Buraq, Gerry Quinto, Fred Apaya, Victor Valdez, Pancho Cuevas, Onoy Villamin, Fred Lacap, Saudie Guindali, Canalita, and Tuico.
Despite 3 disappointing losses, Jun Jison, Rey Formanes, Pat Cortez and Nanoy Arao, together with Boy August, Ruben Villamin, Noroddin Sampulna, Pedregosa, Armand Palaganas, are still brimming with confidence to get back in form and reach the quarterfinal.
Gleaming 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 are up for grabs on this big tournament. First Quadrant ME is eager to conduct business orientation meeting (BOM) with any interested Filipino individual/group who may contact Galli at 054632168 or Cass at 059753829.
JEDI also holds weekly mini-tournament at Orient Pearl Restaurant every Thursday and welcomes all dart enthusiast participants. For further information, please contact J. Quinto 059746407, J. Labanda 052357192, Larry Pineda 052707694, or Ed Pamintuan 057433697.
