NAIROBI, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- South Africa reigned supreme edging out a late spirited fight from Kenya to claim the overall title of the African State Bowls Championships in Nairobi on Sunday.
The premier Africa bowling tournament had attracted six teams: host Kenya; South Africa; Namibia; Zambia; Zimbabwe; Botswana.
Despite Kenyan bowler Benson Kariuki beating Zambian Mathew Mercer 21-2 to win the gold, it was not enough to secure the top spot and bragging rights for the hosts as giants South Africa ran away with the overall title after amassing 36 points against Kenya's 29.
Zimbabwe secured the bronze medal with 28 ahead of Botswana's 22, Namibia's 16 and Zambia finished last with 13 points.
Having lost one match in the round-robin, Kariuki knew he had to win his final singles against Botswana and Zambia.
"It was a big win for me. This is because I lost in the pairs category so I shifted my focus to winning the gold in singles since I had only lost one match, winning was vital in my last singles," said Kariuki.
Kenya's performance was an improvement from their last championship in South Africa in 2017 where they left with a bronze medal.
"My goal is to take Kenya to the world stage and I'm thankful that everything is slowly falling into place," said Kariuki.
The men's fours team comprised of Cephas Kimwaki, Joseph Njagi, Joseph Kitosi, and Waweru Ngugi won 22-11 against Labor Gaboutloeloe, John Gaborutwe, Edwin Nyoka and Charles Liteko of Botswana. Team manager Bernard Ndung'u said the team had done the country proud.
"The team was more prepared this year because we had a lot of time to practice and home advantage as well.
Kenya's ladies team did not walk away empty-handed as they excelled in the triples category winning a silver medal as South Africa took home gold and Botswana bronze.
The tournament will next be hosted by Namibia come 2021.
