COTONOU, Benin, Sept 18 - Terrazini Marcel Bio stood inside Benin's new petanque arena, eyes fixed on a small wooden ball and his mind on revenge. Bio narrowly missed gold in the 2016 World Petanque Championships in Madagascar, and was desperate to bring the trophy home to his country in last week's tournament. "At first, people didn't believe that Benin could organise this world championship. From leisurely street games to fierce club tournaments, Benin is carving out its place in the sport. "I think petanque is the only sport that can favour all social strata and put everyone at ease, that there are no social barriers," said Guy Trounnou, technical director for Benin's petanque federation.

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Persons: Terrazini Marcel Bio, Guy Trounnou, Benin's, pétanque, Seraphin Zounyekpe, Cooper Inveen, Alex Richardson Organizations: Thomson Locations: COTONOU, Benin, Madagascar, France