The 96th Pineapple Cup, one of Fiji’s premier bowling competitions, wrapped up yesterday at the Fiji Bowling Club in Suva. Defending champion Ofa Allen Jr was among the participants, eager to keep the men’s singles title he claimed last year.
Allen Jr has been involved in bowling for three years, taking the sport more seriously after the COVID-19 pandemic. He shared, “I got into the game through Business House Bowls. I started enjoying it and decided to get competitive.” His aspirations extend beyond local tournaments, as he dreams of representing Fiji on an international platform.
Claiming the Pineapple Cup last year stands as Allen Jr’s proudest accomplishment, but he has continued to build on that success, having won another singles title in the West, establishing himself as a notable competitor in Fijian bowling. As he aims to maintain his leading position, he acknowledged, “I’ve still got a lot of work left. There are two or three games left for today.”
For Allen Jr, bowls is equally a mental and physical challenge. His background as a golfer has contributed to his mental readiness. “It’s really all about confidence and mental strength. I learned to believe in myself and stay confident,” he remarked.
Looking to the future, Allen aims to solidify his status as one of the top bowlers in Fiji, with a goal of competing internationally. His advice to younger bowlers is clear: “Don’t give up. Enjoy the game, go hard, and keep moving forward.”