Toby’s chief upbeat on Phl darts future

MANILA, Philippines - Toby’s Sports has thrown its full support to Philippine darts with hopes of reviving the game that once enjoyed a nationwide boom in the 80s.

In cooperation with the Professional Darts Corp., Toby’s Sports has put up a four-leg qualifying tournament with the top eight players from each leg advancing to the national finals.

Jojo Claudio, president of Toby’s Sports, said his ultimate goal is to send a Filipino entry to the 2013 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship at the Alexandra Palace in London.

“Filipino darters are the best in Asia,” said Claudio. “In fact, the London organizers have invited us to join the World Darts Championships. And Toby’s Sports believes in the skills of Filipino darters.”

Baguio native Willy Omli, meanwhile, upstaged the 37-player field in the Luzon leg held at the Casino Filipino in Angeles, Pampanga last September. Former world qualifier Boy Gionson of Navotas and hometown bet Bryan Eribal finished second and third, respectively.

An avid darter and a former official of the Darts Council of the Philippines, Claudio’s enthusiasm for the sport has never waned even though the game, once very popular in bars around the country, is now currently lacking major backers.

“I always believe that Filipinos have the potential to excel in the sport and I believe we can produce the next icon in the game,” he said.

Aside from trophies, leg winners will receive cash prizes, with the champion taking home P12,000, the second P6,000 and third P3,000 in the event organized by promoted by Quorum International Inc.

For details and updates, log on to www.tobys.com and on facebook.com/tobysstore.