The defending champions of the Fiji Airways 8th Sunny West Bowling Carnival Fours category looks well to retain their titles.

The team comprising David Aitcheson, Mohan Lal, Rajnesh Prasad and Kushal Kumar won all their three games so far and look set to qualify for the playoffs today.

Other strong contenders are Semesa Naiseruvati and Samuela Tui’s teams as well former national rep Ratish Lal’s team of Som Padiachi, Sophie Khan and Sarote Hiagi.

Tournament media liaison Curtis Mar said the carnival started last Saturday with a record of 120 participants.

“65 bowlers from Australia and New Zealand, the full Fiji team to the Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea are also in attendance and we expect stiff competition over the next five days,” Mar said.

“Overseas teams are obviously working hard to get used to the green speed which are significantly slower than back home. Green speed is averaging 13 secs whereas overseas bowlers play on surfaces that run closer to 17 secs. Towards the latter part of the week we will see green speeds pick up to around 15 seconds.”

He thanked the sponsors Fiji Airways (Gold), Tanoa Group of Hotels (Silver), Smugglers Cove Beach Resort Limited.

Other sponsors include Air Terminal Services, Essence of Fiji – rejuvenation Centre, Captain Cook Cruises, Pacific Destination, GEM Limited and Natural Waters of Fiji. Overseas sponsors are Graker promotions and John Goodwin.

The four playoffs is scheduled this morning, with the Pairs to battle on Tuesday with the playoffs on Thursday.

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj