Afico Azintados unexpectedly emerged on top after a grueling two-month long double round-robin ranking stage of the BAI (Brua Aluminum Industry) Cup Four-Man Team Dart Tournament here. Already assured of a second place finish by virtue of topping the field and sitting on top of the stepladder, the Azintados has the privilege to observe and prepare while awaiting for its opponent in the finals. Afico Azintados defeated Pampanga Darters (11-4). Azintados had a blistering start by winning 3 out of 4 singles and then swept the doubles matches. Pampanga's top darter Bernie Arciga just avoided the shutout by squeezing a win over Azintados' Gary Terso in the last singles. Pampangue?os had a brief captivating moment escaping with a win in the crucial triple team event but could not sustain their momentum and faltered in the deciding four-man team plays highlighted by Terso's winning shot with 64. Azintados' 11-4 winning margin assured it the No.2 seeding in the ladder and a chance to go up to No. 1 if Striker-2 loses its two remaining games. Stray Warriors Team-2 upset Striker-2 (9-6). The stunner came at the heels of the Striker-2 as it yielded an all-important game to the Warriors-2 who already logged at No.6 in the ladder and played the role of a spoiler. Striker-2 started on fire winning 3 out of 4 singles capped by a T80 performance by Edgar Ramos in his match against MVP contender Dodong Salas of the Warriors who suffered only his second defeat in the singles. However, the Warriors swept them in the doubles matches and Strikers had to sweat for a much-needed win in the triple team event that sent the game into deciding four-man team plays. But the pressure already mounted on the Strikers as they struggled all the way through in losing the deciding game to the inspired Warriors. With the loss Stiker-2 must now win its final game against Pampanga Darters to preserve its No.1 ranking in the ladder. Striker-1 blanked BAI Darters (15-0). Though already safe at No.3 spot the Striker-1 displayed its deadliest game of the tournament with this overwhelming victory against the hapless BAI Darters who will be at the bottom of the ladder with the departure of PMU Darters. Striker-1's quartet of Chris Calalo, Arnold Ramos, Ross Tuazon and Reynaldo Sanchez just played their hearts out with this crushing win. Pampanga Darters came surging back in their last two games with a playful win against BAI Darters (8-7) in their penultimate game before trouncing Striker-2 (13-2) in their final game that catapulted them at lofty No.4 spot in the ladder ahead of two Warriors teams. Strikers' loss relegated them down to No.2 with Azintados climbing up to No.1 by virtue of having a greater quotient points - both finished with identical 10-4 win-loss slate. Meanwhile, JAL's ace darter Jerry Roldan lived up to expectation by winning the ‘Battle of the Champions' Division-C-Novice Singles Tournament. He bested 16 top darters in this grade who made the cut during the 8-week long qualifying rounds. Danny Mata of Shadi International, who came from the losers bracket, placed second while German Bonoan Jr. of Sedrat Najd settled for third place. Awarding ceremony followed shortly after the games and winners received their prizes, trophies and medals. The champion took home a 21” color TV while runners-up received DVD player and rice cooker respectively. Eastern Province Darters Association (EPDA) organizes these tournaments and play regularly at home venue, 1st Floor of Al-Issa Souk's Union-Ball Billiards and Darts Hall here. __
