The Computer Studies (CS) Chameleons outclassed all the clusters, snagging the 501 men’s darts championship in this year’s Palarong Atenista.             

The tournament followed the standard format, each player starting with 501 points per leg of darts, and whoever clears their points to exactly zero first shall be declared the winner.

After a solid 2-0 whitewash over the Business and Management (B&M) Vipers in the semifinals, CS Chameleons’ Franz Valeroso secured his chance to get the gold in the final round.

The title match kicked off with CS Chameleons’ Valeroso hitting a double 7 to nail his checkout of 14 points, taking the first leg against Social Sciences (SS) Dragons’ Mark Garcia. 

SS Dragons’ Garcia then steadied the game in the second leg, breaking back with a double 18 finish, leveling the score with the CS Chameleons. 

However, CS Chameleons’ Valeroso outscored SS Dragons’ Garcia in a two-dart finish with a double 3 to settle the third and fourth legs convincingly to achieve the title glory.    

CS Chameleons’ Valeroso emphasized that composure became his key strategy in taking off pressure mid-game.

“I keep myself composed as it is enjoyable, because I can’t handle pressure well,” he stated.

Valeroso also credited his father’s mentorship, recalling how early practice sessions honed his darts technique and helped him endure the grind of the game. 

“It started as a hobby with my dad, then when I consulted him about me joining a competition, he supported me and trained me throughout. I think the training paid off, regardless of always losing against my dad.”

The SS Dragons clocked a silver finish, while the ACC Griffins settled for bronze.

The men’s darts championship tournament took place on September 28 at 4F Martin Hall, Ateneo de Davao University.