Dean Robertson was in tears, after finding out he couldn't compete at this month's Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
The para bowls athlete - who is legally blind - only learnt of his ineligibility after undergoing a strict eye examination, which found Robertson could have some vision restored with the use of special lenses.
His dreams of going to the Games might be shattered, but the silver lining is life-changing.
The story of Robertson's bowling career is best summed up by the man who introduced him to the sport.
"It's remarkable, really, what he's achieved," said Kevin Smith.
Robertson discovered bowls less than five years ago at a Blind Foundation have-a-go night.
"He put I think it was a $20 note out on the floor," said Smith. "He landed right on the jolly thing and we had to pay him the 20 bucks."
From there, the partnership between Robertson and his director was born. Three months later, they competed at their first national championships.
"We went up to Tauranga and he played eight games and he won seven."
Robertson said:"Yeah, I won my national title after three months."
He was duly selected for the Commonwealth Games, but a required eye test changed everything.
"We were in tears down the street," said Smith, but there is a silver lining.
Previously, Robertson could only see 45cm blurred, now he's able to put faces to names, including his newborn grandchild.
"When they put the glasses on me at the hospital, just the temporary glasses, I could see the Port Hills for the first time in eight-and-a-half years," said Robertson.
His best mate is no longer needed as his director and he'll be less busy at the bar.
"He gets my drinks or he used to," said Robertson. "Now I can get them myself."
This isn't the end of his bowling journey - he now plans to compete against able-bodied athletes.
With improved vision, who would bet against him?
