THE Kontiki Finance Pineapple Cup Lawn Bowling Competition got underway at the Suva Bowling Club yesterday with a huge turnout of competitors.
Players from all over the country dotted the green manicured lawn of the bowling club as they rolled their best shot across it to be in the running for the prestigious trophy.
President of games at the club, Ramesh Chand said more than 50 bowlers had taken part in the first day of competition.
“It’s around 55 today,” Chand said, adding that 16 female bowlers had taken part in the competition this year.
“It’s good to see 16 women taking part. I think that after a long time, you’ve seen a good number from the ladies.”
He said the competition’s real challenge would come from the second, third and elimination rounds which took place in the afternoon.
“But still, there are top bowlers playing, good bowlers, regular bowlers are playing so competition is good and tough.”
The competition, according to him, has had bowlers who have participated in it for over a decade.
“There are some bowlers who have been playing for more than 10 years. They haven’t won,” he said.
“And then we all want to win this tournament.”
He thanked sponsors Kontiki Finance for their support of the Pineapple Cup, acknowledging the handover of $5000 to assist in the running of the competition.
Meanwhile, the Pineapple Cup was first played in 1928 and won by C C Clark and has been played every year since with the exception of the year 2000.
The defending champions of the competition are Semesa Naiseruvati for the men and Sainiana Walker for the women.
The competition ends today.
