BANGKOK — The World Pétanque and Bowls Federation (WPBF) has pulled its approval for Pétanque at the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand (December 9 to 20), shaking the region’s sports world. Any overseas teams taking part in SEA Games pétanque events could face similar penalties, which means the competition may not go ahead at all. SAT officials said the banned leader has no part in SEA Games planning and insisted all public funds are accounted for. It features in the World Games, Asian Games, and the Pacific Games, where the strategy and skill draw crowds. The SEA Games should have showcased Thailand’s event hosting skills after the 2019 Games.