Semesa Naiseruvati has once again proven his prowess in lawn bowling as he successfully defended his title at the 2025 Kontiki Finance Pineapple Cup Lawn Bowling Competition. Held at the Suva Bowling Club last Saturday, Naiseruvati took a decisive 21-7 victory against Shiwal Chand in the final, retaining his champion status in the men’s category.
Naiseruvati’s path to victory saw him overcome Eseroma Taubale with a 21-9 win in the semi-final, and Phillip Lacey 21-6 in the quarter-final, showcasing his consistent form and skill throughout the tournament. His opponent, Shiwal Chand, displayed commendable effort, making it to the final by defeating Olaf Allen Jr 21-7 in the semi-final and narrowly securing a 21-18 win over Ishwar in the quarter-final. Chand, a relatively new player to the sport with only two years in bowling, demonstrated significant potential by reaching the finals against experienced competitors.
The men’s division of the competition was organized with participants arranged in eight pools, each containing four bowlers. The top two from each pool advanced after three rounds. Among those who qualified for the elimination rounds were noted talents such as Ishwar, Dan Lum On, and Naiseruvati himself.
In the women’s division, Elizabeth Moceiwai emerged victorious, dethroning the defending champion Sainiana Walker with a 21-12 win in the semi-final. Moceiwai then claimed the title by defeating Radhika Prasad in a closely contested final, ending 21-16. Radhika Prasad had earlier outplayed Losalini Tukai 21-8 in her semi-final match.
This year’s tournament saw over 50 competitors, underscoring the event’s popularity and the vibrant community spirit fostered by Kontiki Finance’s sponsorship, marking its seventh year of involvement. The Vice-President of the Suva Bowling Club, Ramesh Chand, expressed gratitude for Kontiki Finance’s ongoing support, emphasizing its role in the competition’s continued success and hoping for their continual partnership in future events.
The Kontiki Finance Pineapple Cup is not just a competition but a celebration of sporting tradition and community spirit in Fiji, symbolizing over 90 years of legacy since its inception in 1928. The unwavering support from patrons like Kontiki Finance underscores the importance of community engagement and support in nurturing local sports talents.
The event highlights both the skill of seasoned bowlers like Naiseruvati and emerging talents like Moceiwai and Chand, portraying a promising future for lawn bowling in Fiji. Through initiatives and support like this, the sport continues to thrive, fostering an environment of camaraderie and excellence.