Semesa Naiseruvati has once again proven his exceptional skills in lawn bowling by securing his title at the 2025 Kontiki Finance Pineapple Cup Lawn Bowling Competition. Held at the Suva Bowling Club last Saturday, Naiseruvati clinched a decisive 21-7 victory over Shiwal Chand in the final, maintaining his champion status in the men’s category.
Naiseruvati’s journey to victory was marked by impressive performances, defeating Eseroma Taubale with a 21-9 win in the semi-final and overcoming Phillip Lacey 21-6 in the quarter-final. His consistent form and expertise were evident throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, his opponent, Shiwal Chand, who only began bowling two years ago, made a remarkable run to the final, defeating Olaf Allen Jr 21-7 in the semi-final and narrowly edging out Ishwar 21-18 in the quarter-final. Chand’s performance hints at a promising future in the sport.
The competition’s men’s division featured a well-organized format with eight pools, each consisting of four bowlers. The top two from each pool advanced after three rounds, and among the qualifiers for the elimination rounds were standout competitors like Ishwar, Dan Lum On, and Naiseruvati.
In the women’s category, Elizabeth Moceiwai emerged victorious, dethroning the reigning champion Sainiana Walker with a 21-12 win in the semi-final. Moceiwai subsequently claimed the title by beating Radhika Prasad in a tightly contested final, finishing at 21-16. Prasad had previously outplayed Losalini Tukai 21-8 in her semi-final match.
This year’s tournament attracted over 50 competitors, highlighting its popularity and the rich community spirit nurtured by Kontiki Finance’s continued sponsorship, marking its seventh consecutive year of support. Ramesh Chand, Vice-President of the Suva Bowling Club, expressed appreciation for Kontiki Finance’s unwavering support, highlighting its vital role in the competition’s success and the hope for ongoing collaboration in future events.
The Kontiki Finance Pineapple Cup is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of sporting tradition and community spirit in Fiji, with a proud legacy spanning over 90 years since its inception in 1928. The steadfast support from patrons like Kontiki Finance underscores the critical role of community involvement in nurturing local sports talents.
This event showcases the skills of seasoned bowlers like Naiseruvati while shining a light on emerging talents such as Moceiwai and Chand, painting a bright future for lawn bowling in Fiji. Through dedicated initiatives and support, the sport continues to thrive, promoting an atmosphere of camaraderie and excellence.