Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. - The 1st NDFP-UFDC Classified Doubles Darts Tourney proved to be a real success when a record high of twenty-nine (29) pairs participated in the first-ever one-day BIG tournament, staged at an unconventional day and time, at the UFDC Darts Center in Al Jazeera Sports Club, Abu Dhabi, UAE last Friday, 19 May 2006. This was an acid test for all UFDC officers and ‘think-tanks’ to assess the possibilities of changing the ‘bar & beer image’ of the sport into a more wholesome yet competitive level.

A number of promising lady darters from UFDC Amazons and neighboring Dubai joined the event, which made the tournament more colorful and exciting as most of them made it to the Top 16. The team of UFDC President & NDFP Mid-East Coordinator Ronnel Botor and partner, Lea Fegalquin reached the winners’ Top 2 and played against the tandem of Frenz Gulla & Robert Aurelio for the twice-to-beat position. After losing on a decision match with the latter, Botor & Fegalquin lost to the pair of multi-RP Team Member and World Cupper Joseph Domanais and the talented novice darter Jong Guinoo, thereby settling for 3rd place. The championship match was breathtaking as favorites Domanais & Guinoo lost 2-0 to Gulla & Aurelio for the highlight of the event.

Five (5) electronic raffle prizes were likewise given away during the tournament. The Grand Prize, a compact DVD/MP3 player, was won by Letlet Flores. Food and refreshments were also served during the event for all the participants.

On the overall success of the tournament, this is what UFDC El Presidente Ronnel Botor had to say, “It is just the tip of the iceberg. With good leadership, transparency, pro-darter policies, and support from giant dart groups like the NDFP, we can organize and excel in darts and other endeavors regardless of geographical, cultural and racial barriers.”