The 96th Pineapple Cup, one of the most esteemed bowling tournaments in Fiji, wrapped up yesterday at the Fiji Bowling Club in Suva. Defending champion Ofa Allen Jr participated in the competition, eager to defend the men’s singles title he claimed last year.
Allen Jr, who has been engaged in bowling for three years, stepped up his commitment to the sport 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,” reflecting on how he began his journey in bowling. His aspirations extend beyond local accolades; he aims to represent Fiji internationally someday.
Winning the Pineapple Cup last year stands as Allen Jr’s proudest achievement. He followed that success with another singles title in the West, establishing himself as a serious contender in the Fijian bowling scene. Now, he is faced with the challenge of sustaining his success.
“I’ve still got a lot of work left. There are two or three games left for today,” he remarked.
Allen Jr emphasizes that bowling is as much a mental game as a physical one, crediting his background as a golfer for enhancing his mental preparation. “It’s really all about confidence and mental strength; I learned to believe in myself and stay confident,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Allen Jr is determined to become one of Fiji’s top bowlers, with hopes 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.”