REIGNING champion Ratish Lal and former champion Samuela Tui have been bundled out of the Islands Electric/ Geotech Drilling-sponsored Pineapple Cup bowling event held at the Suva Bowling Club greens yesterday.
Another familiar name and national rep Abdul Kalim was ousted in the first round of knockout competition with a new winner.
The defeat of these top bowlers showed the stiff competition offered during the tournament.
Tui was defeated by Nicholas Thaggard while Lal was ousted by a New Zealand bowler.
Tournament official Abdul Kalim said the participation of overseas bowlers also lifted the standard of competition.
He said all games were tough as participants fought hard to take out top honours.
“Firstly we thank our major sponsor, Islands Electric for the support through their sponsorship and we are grateful to Raymond Singh for his commitment to promote the sport in Fiji,” said Khalim
“Likewise we are grateful to have Geotech Drilling as one of our sponsors this year.”
Kalim said a record number of more than 80 bowlers participated in the event.
“These participants also included bowlers from Australia and New Zealand. I believe their presence lifted the level of competition. The tournament was a success and bowlers really enjoyed the experience of playing in this year’s event.”
National reps who managed to scrape past the first round eliminations were Arun Kumar and Rajnish Prasad and Jona Koroitamana.
