UNTOUCHABLES A emerged champions of the 2020 Saint Lucia Dart Association (SLDA)/ Prio’s Bar and Grill 501 Classic tournament this past weekend by defeating Amazona 5-4.
Decked in their customary black top and blue jeans pants, Untouchables A kicked off their campaign in the men’s doubles when Lambert Charles and Trevor John defeated Peter Lionel and Donavan Medar 2-0. In the men’s doubles Haig Louis and Cuthbert Anthony (Untouchables A) had a hard fought 2-1 victory over Hendrickson Joseph and Kevin Joseph (Amazona).
In the Mixed Trio, Peter Lionel, Leona Augustin and Donavan Medar (Amazona) cut the deficit by one defeating Haig Louis, Cuthbert Anthony and Jacinta Raggie (Untouchable A) 2-0.
In the Mixed Doubles, the pair of Lambert Charles and Jacinta Raggie (Untouchables A) had to pull all stops to defeat the experienced pair of Hendrickson Joseph and Delta Lionel (Amazona) 2-1.
Amazona responded with a win in the ladies singles when Leona Augustin defeated Jacinta Raggie (Untouchables A) 2-0.
In the men’s singles, Amazona pulled one back when Hendrickson Joseph continued his good run on form by defeating Haig Louis (Untouchables A) 2-1; Trevor John, (Untouchables A) breezed past Donavan Medar (Amazona) 2-0; Lambert Charles (Untouchables A) defeated Kevin Joseph (Amazona) 2-1, while Cuthbert Anthony had a nerve wrecking 2-1 victory over the experienced Peter Lionel (Amazona)
.In an all Amazona ladies singles final, Leona Augustin defeated Delta Lionel 3-2.
Action in the men’s singles quarterfinals, Nerville Labadie (Southern Pointers) defeated Peter Lionel (Amazona) 3-2; Thomas Labadie (Southern Pointers) defeated Jonathan Emmanuel (Untouchables A) 3-0; Lambert Charles (Untouchables A) defeated Hendrickson Joseph (Amazona) 3-2 and in an Untouchables A derby, Haig Louis defeated Trevor John 3-0.
In semi final showdown, and playing for bragging rights, in an all Southern Pointers rivalry Thomas Labadie defeated the tournament favourite, Nerville Labadie 3-1; and Haig Louis defeated Lambert Charles 3-0
For the third place silverware, Nerville Labadie (Southern Pointers defeated Lambert Charles (Untouchables A) 3-1.
In what can best be described as a “thrilling finals”, Thomas Labadie (Southern Pointers) had to dig deep within to defeat Haig Louis (Untouchables A) 3-2, rallying from being 2-0 down.
It was share determination from Neville on the night who had mixed fortunes earlier in the tournament.
In awards presented, the championship trophy, Untouchables A and EC$500.00; second place trophy – Amazona and EC$250.00.
Men’s singles champion – Thomas Labadie (Southern Pointers), a trophy and EC$250.00; 2nd place Haig Louis (Untouchables A) a trophy and EC$150.00; 3rd place Neville Labadie (Southern Pointers) a trophy and EC$75.00.
Ladies singles champion – Leona Augustin (Amazona) a trophy and EC$150.00; 2nd place Delta Lionel a trophy and EC$100.00.
Special prizes: Most 180 (maximum scores): Nerville Labadie – 7 (Southern Pointers); Highest Finish – Leona Augustin (Amazona) 136 points; Shortest Game – Hendrickson Joseph (Amazona) – 14 darts.
This reporter spoke to SLDA Public Relations Officer, Lambert Charles about this year’s tournament and the SLDA plans going forward.
“The tournament brought back competitiveness to the sport. Over a period of time the few persons who still played did so as a pastime, a way to spend some down time. However, a level of competition and the nurturing of a killer instinct is being developed amount the players. A number of new as well as former players have come back and lent to the general atmosphere”.
He continued, “Competition wise, the level of competition throughout by a number of individuals representing the various teams was at very high standard and one expects to see even more competitiveness with other tournaments organized by the SLDA”.
“Moving forward, we have some plans as we expect to close off 2020 with the National Day 501 classic and that will depend on where we are with the Covid-19 pandemic and guidance from the Health Officials; for 2021 we are looking at the revival of the Independence Day tournament”.
