PNG begin defence of men's beach volleyball gold
Papua New Guinea began a confident defence of its men's beach volleyball gold medal on Monday, defeating Northern Mariana Islands in straight sets on the first day of action at the Samoa 2019 XVI Pacific Games.
On the new courts at Apia Waterfront, PNG won the first set 21-17 and the second 21-7, playing with a new line-up of Richard Batari and Loi Walo, in place of Port Moresby 2015 Pacific Games gold medalists Richard Kilarupa and Mea Moha.
Day one of competition saw six games played in the men’s competition in front of a capacity crowd at the free event.
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Samoa beat Tahiti in a close-fought match, finishing strongly to take the win.
Cheered on by packed crowds, Samoa won the first set 25-23, Tahiti took the second 21-12, and Samoan claimed the last set 15-11.
Samoa's Eneliko Tuli said: "Thank you Heavenly Father that they got the win.
This is not the last game for us but the whole purpose and aim is to get a medal for Samoa."
Cook Islands took to the sand against Palau. Palau took the first set in a consistent show of strength, winning 21-13. Cook Islands came back strongly in the second set to win 21-14. But the third set was closely contested and went point for point with Palau coming out on top, 17-15.
Guam was outclassed by Tonga in straight sets (21-16, 21-6).
American Samoa took the win against New Caledonia in an exciting contest. New Caledonia won the first set 20-16. American Samoa claimed the second 21-19, proving they had no intention of backing down. American Samoa proved too strong and took the third 15- 11.
In other matches, Vanuatu came out strongly against Nauru to win in two sets (21-14, 21-11).
Australia overcame Solomon Islands (21-10, 21-12) and, after losing the first set, Tuvalu defeated Kiribati.
Beach volleyball continues on Tuesday morning from 9am at Apia Waterfront with free entry.
