The School of Nursing (SON) freshman Panther Rafael Alterado defeated his opponents from the higher years in the 2023 Palarong Atenista men’s darts competition. 

The game’s format followed the 501 darts rule, where the players start with a score of 501, and whoever scores a zero first with a closing of a double wins the game.

Down to the final game with a tie of 2-2 between Business and Management (B&M) Vipers and SON Panthers, Alterado threw first, acquiring 40 points, which is ahead by two points of the Viper’s first throw with only 38 points, signifying a close fight between the two.

Viper John Dominic Declarador led by a remaining score of 133; meanwhile, Panthers’ Alterado had a remaining score of 160. 

As the game progressed, SON surpassed B&M with a remaining score of 60, and B&M had 88 points remaining. 

Alterado finished the game victoriously with a single 20, another single 20, and a double 10, closing 60 points. 

In an interview with Atenews, Alterado said that his strategy was to focus only on the 20 points and not be distracted by the pressure the environment brings. 

“The most crucial part of the game talaga was the first game because yung pressure is makikita mo talaga sa laro,” he said.

However, the most challenging part of the preparation for him was the lack of darts equipment.

“The most challenging part of the game is yung walang ma practice-san na dartboard kasi nakatira lang ako sa dorm,” the champion added.

Despite the hindrances, Alterado was able to practice by utilizing the University’s darts equipment. 

“Naluya ko kasi, sila kay grabe sila mag practice, and ako is mag-adto lang sa Martin Hall, mag practice kadyut sa mga break,” he stated.

B&M’s Viper John Dominic Declarador emerged as the first runner-up. Meanwhile, the School of Engineering’s George Albert Errua placed second runner-up. The Palarong Atenista 2023 men’s darts competition was held at the 4F Martin Hall, Ateneo de Davao University, on October 1, 2023.