GUANGZHOU (China): Spectators have been banned from watching Tenpin bowling at the Asian Games because there is no room to seat them.

The squeeze on space at the Tianhe Hall venue also means that only two officials will be allowed to accompany each team when the event starts on Monday.

An official Asian Games news release said that the decision drew angry protests from players whose families and friends will have to watch the action on TV outside the venue. Lau Vivien, honorary life president of Asian Bowling, said the decision was based on space constraints at the Tianhe Hall.

A total of 177 bowlers from 17 countries will be participating in the event which runs from Monday to Nov. 24. Families and friends who traveled to southern China with competitors will have to watch the action on TV.