Mel Tagalog is arguably the best player in local darts and is on the cusp of setting a new standard.
The Filipino sensation has excelled in all of the major tournaments. In particular he has dominated the Mickey Mouse Pirates Week event, emerging as overall winner the last two consecutive years.
Based on current form, Cayman Islands Darts Association president Paul Anglin states the focus is on the two-time defending champion.
“Mel is the reigning champion for the Mickey Mouse tournament and he is the man to beat,” Anglin said. “He is shooting excellent darts. Anything is possible and he can do it if he brings his game.
“I’m not taking anything away from the other (Filipino) guys, who have proven to be very competitive also. Guys like Eugene Deguzman, Jasper Esguerra and Randy Cruz are all playing good darts. At the end of the day it’s about who comes to win.”
Tagalog, 37, is coming off a resounding victory at the 2011 Vivian Rankine memorial at the Corner Pocket bar this month. He claimed the overall championship in addition to the A division singles trophy.
A victory at this Sunday’s Mickey Mouse tournament would mark his second straight year winning two of darts’ biggest contests. To do so he will need to get past some formidable foes at the Mango Tree from 1pm. Last year Tagalog beat out Edsell Haylock in an epic final to claim the overall title and teamed up with Scotsman Eddie Ballantyne to win the doubles segment.
Anglin states the number of contenders to Tagalog’s crown is vast.
“Mel has got a bulls-eye on his back as reigning champion. Darts is becoming very competitive. You have some very good players that recently joined and it’s unpredictable, anyone can win. There’s Edsell and Eddie along with Earl Smith and Arthur Ebanks who have thrown some very good darts lately. Hank ‘The Hammer’ Ebanks is back shooting impressive darts and Norrin Stewart is good at the Mickey Mouse format and is someone to watch.
“If they show up, it should be a very interesting day. Of course, don’t forget the president. If I can keep my head clear I can give them a run for their money.”
The Mickey Mouse competition is the last major tournament for the year. From here local darts shifts its focus to the 2011-2012 national league taking place every Wednesday at 7.30pm between the Grand Caymanian resort, PD’s Pub, Doghouse bar and Mango Tree.
Anglin is quick to point out that as a Pirates Week event, the Mickey Mouse competition is open to all.
“It’s one of our biggest tournaments and is open to the general public, not just association members. It covers singles and luck of the draw doubles and is single elimination for both. You got to bring your best darts.
“Registration takes place this Sunday 12noon-1pm and there is a $10 registration fee which includes a Pirates Week darts T-shirt. Prizes and surprises will be on hand and we encourage everyone to come out and try their hand at darts.”
The 2011 Mickey Mouse tournament takes place at Mango Tree from 1pm on Sunday, 20 November.
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