New Caledonia's expected squash clean sweep
New Caledonia were destined to fill the podium for the squash singles at Samoa 2019 XVI Pacific Games as all finals players were from the dominant team.
Enzo Corigliano, an ex-professional, was simply too strong for his compatriot Yann Lancrenon, winning gold in straight games with provisional results of 11-3, 11-4, 11-2.
When asked about his Samoa 2019 experience, Corigliano said: “It’s been incredible. I never planned to play but I have. We won the team event as well. Being here is amazing.
"People are so welcoming; they put a smile on all our team’s face.”
The New Caledonian team overran the podium (Image: Pacific Games News Service)
Silver medallist Lancrenon was accepting of his defeat at the hands of his teammate.
“Enzo is way above everyone else. I’m really happy; my objective was to be number 2.”
Nicholas Massenet, also New Caledonia, took the men’s singles bronze medal with a show of dominance winning in 3 straight games provisionally 11-8, 11-2, 11-4.
His opponent was compatriot Gael Gosse.
Massenet said: “I’m really happy with bronze. It’s my place. The others [the winners of gold and silver medals] are training in France... (they have the) advantage. I stay in New Caledonia.”
Youth’s stamina helped win gold in a tough woman’s singles final.
Vanessa Quach beat Christine Deneufbourg in a very strategically played match by both women, friends off the court as they probed for advantage.
Quach won in four games provisionally 11-7, 8-11, 11-7, 11-5.
In a post-match interview in English, she said: "Christine is a warrior. Today I try to be more [of a] warrior than her.”
Asked about her future, 25-year-old Quach said she was “too old [to be a] professional" but could travel to competitions in the second division.
Deneufbourg, 53 years old, said this was her forth Pacific Games. “I won in 2011. I’m happy to come back 18 years later and win silver. I won’t play in 2023,” she said with a laugh.
The bronze medal for women’s singles bronze medal was won by Kareen Marachalle who won outright when Caroline Quach withdrew due to injury.
