The 96th Pineapple Cup, one of Fiji’s premier bowling events, wrapped up yesterday at the Fiji Bowling Club in Suva. Defending champion Ofa Allen Jr was among the participants, eager to defend the men’s singles title he claimed last year.
Allen Jr has been engaged in bowling for three years, taking the sport more seriously after the COVID-19 pandemic. “I got into the game through Business House Bowls. I started enjoying it and decided to get competitive,” he shared, reflecting on his path into the sport. He aims not only to succeed in local tournaments but also to one day represent Fiji on the international front.
Winning last year’s Pineapple Cup remains Allen Jr’s most significant achievement, and he continued his success by claiming another singles title in the West, establishing himself as a strong competitor within the Fijian bowling scene. He now faces the challenge of maintaining his winning streak. “I’ve still got a lot of work left. There are two or three games left for today,” he remarked.
Allen Jr believes that bowling is as much a mental challenge as it is physical. His background as a former golfer has enhanced his mental readiness. “It’s really all about confidence and mental strength; I learned to believe in myself and stay confident,” he stated.
Looking to the future, Allen Jr aspires to become one of Fiji’s top bowlers, with goals of competing on an international level. He encourages younger players with the advice: “Don’t give up. Enjoy the game, go hard, and keep moving forward.”