NEW champions have been crowned for the both the men’s and women’s pairs in the South Pacific Bowling Carnival at the Suva Bowling Club greens yesterday.
Hirendra Bhartu and Ratish Lal took top honors in the men’s division edging Waisea Senibici and Eminoni Turagabeci 21-17.
Lavenia Ratumudu and Ili Seru defeated defending women’s pair’s champions Doreen O’connor and Veitinia Tubuna 19-17.
Bhartu and Lal had been tipped as favourites to win the pairs discipline and did as expected.
Bhartu comes with plenty experience in the bowling scene, having played against and beaten bowling greats such as world champions Andy Thompson, Ian Bond and Billy Jackson at the world singles meet.
He is ranked fifth in the World Bowls singles rankings and has won several national titles in men’s singles and pairs as well as mixed pairs representing Canada.
This is the first time Bhartu has competed in Fiji and won a regional tournament.
Event administrator Samuela Tuikiligana said the locals have had to face stiff competition from overseas players and is looking forward to more exciting matches later today.
The fours discipline for the regional lawn bowls meet begins today.
