Cambodia took on the world at boules-petanque winning two games with six honorable

loses at the World Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from Nov. 16-20.

The country's first post-war entry into a world sporting event saw Cambodia drawn

to play in a rathe safe qualifying group together with Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Australia,

Monaco and Andorra.

The championships attracted 59 teams from 31 countries.

Cambodia registered its first victory by beating the Australian team, which was also

playing in its first boules international.

In the B-tournament following the group-play, Cambodia beat Estonia but was finally

knocked out by the sheer skill and might of Andorra.

Title-holder France took the championship for the fifth year in a row.

Playing for Cambodia were Phnom Penh residents Thong Boran, Prum Bun Yi and Im Phat,

a player of considerable experience.

The Khmer Federation of Boules-Petanque (FKB) was founded this year in an effort

to revive the championship and competition side of the sport which still attracts

a considerable following around the country.

Petanque is the competition form of boules.

Federation secretary Meas Sarin says a lot work remains to be done to strengthen

Cambodian Petanque.

"We have many good players, but they need experience from international competitions,"

Im told the Post.

Next year's annual World Championship will be help at Clemont- Ferrant, France.