Jasper Esguerra has been on the Cayman Islands darts scene for awhile. Now he can lay claim to one of the sport’s biggest honours.
The Filipino talent claimed the Mickey Mouse Pirates Week darts tournament title over the weekend. He would beat out countryman and two-time reigning champion Mel Tagalog.
Esguerra, 31, states the victory was extra special for him as he had never beaten Tagalog before.
“It feels good and I’m very happy,” Esguerra said. “This is my first time winning this event. I was nervous to play Mel. He had always beaten me going into the finals. I focused on my game, the wrist was good and I’m happy I beat him for the first time in a tournament.”
The Fosters Food Fair employee was one of many top finishers. Tagalog would team up with rookie Jhay Cruz to nab the doubles title ahead of runners-up Rodan Asuncion and Randy Cruz. Newcomer Rosyl Deguzman earned the ladies crown ahead of runner-up Michelle Terry.
Tagalog, who won in 2009 and 2010, states he is not upset with the loss as Esguerra stepped up his game.
“I’m happy I made the finals,” Tagalog said. “Jasper deserved to win. He beat all of the top guys. I’m happy for him and he played really well.”
In all 40 competitors took part in the national festival’s last sporting event on Grand Cayman. Much of the notable local players were present including Edsell Haylock, Cayman Islands Darts Association President Paul Anglin and Hank ‘The Hammer’ Ebanks, who was presented with a trophy for his showing at the 2002 Caribbean Championships (the honour had not been given previously).
The Mickey Mouse tournament is the last competition on the 2011 darts association calendar. It comes weeks after the Vivian Rankine memorial event, which Tagalog won for the second straight year. From here local darts will focus on play in the national league.
Esguerra, who turns 32 in December, states his goal is to practice and mount a title defence next year.
“I plan to continue playing darts in the New Year. I want to get more wins and championships. I have to do more practice to get more wins. In events like Mickey Mouse, you need more production or steady shots.”
Related Videos
