Filipino darter makes it to world tourney

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino dart ace Christian Perez ruled the three-day PDC South Asia qualifier in Malaysia last Tuesday to earn a slot in the 2014-15 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship on Dec. 12 in London.

 Rated number one in the National Dart Federation of the Philippines, the 34-year-old Perez whipped Bryan Eribal, 5-2, in an all-Filipino finals to gain his third trip to the world event in five years.

The victory thus assured Perez of at least 3,500 British pounds as the official representative of South Asia in the world’s richest annual dartfest. Perez also has the distinction of being the first Filipino to post a victory in the world tilt in his first appearance in 2009 where he beat Alexis Toylo in the semifinals. 

Former national champion Dixie Ybañez finished in the top 8, Asia’s top darter multi-titled Lourence Ilagan settled for 16th spot and Adrian Marcelino ended in 32nd place.

 Last Oct. 10, Perez and the other top Filipino darters bagged the team event in the PDC South Asia qualifier in Sabah, Malaysia.

 Other members of the team, which carried the colors of JRS and Darkside, were Andy Villamor, Prussian Arceno and Boie Parfan with NDFP president Roberto Soncuya and Barry Nagallo as team managers.

 Reigning Philippine Masters champion Bhoy Ulang, Boy Gionzon and Nayr Ocampo also competed in the PDC South Asia qualifier.