Tennis

Teen Tennis Star Secures Scholarship

She has clinched a coveted year-long scholarship at the esteemed Lavie Academy in Auckland, New Zealand, through the Oceania Tennis Federation (OTF)/International Tennis Federation (ITF) programme.

Colita, of mixed Morobe and Bougainvillean parentage, will bid farewell to Port Moresby on January 3, 2024, as she joins the OTF/ITF Touring Team Programme 2024.

A promising future for junior squash

The junior players participated in several competitions, including the Australia Junior Open, Queensland Junior Championships, and the KPHL camp in Daisy Hill, Brisbane.

The Year 2023 was filled with excitement and, most notably, the progress in junior development as the focus. The 2023 season was a significant success for the juniors, culminating in a remarkable performance at the Oceania Junior Championship in Tauranga, New Zealand. The juniors' participation in these events showcased their exceptional skills and provided them with invaluable exposure. 

International Tennis reps visits PNG

ITF Technical Director, Dermot Sweeney, Training Centres and Player Development, Gary Purcell - ITF Development Officer, Pacific Oceania Region are currently in the country.

Their visit stands testament to the flourishing relationship between ITF and the PNG Tennis Association under the leadership of President Barbara Stubbings. Gary is a familiar face in PNG and throughout the Pacific region, strengthening ties and fostering growth

Samoa and Tonga reach tennis men's doubles semis

In the men’s doubles quarter finals, Tongan brothers Matavano and Semisi Fanguna upset second seeds, PNG’s Mark Gibbons and Matthew Stubbings, to progress to the semi-finals. An excited Matavano Fanguna said: ”This win means a lot. It’s our second Pacific Games but our first time to progress to the semis”.

Osaka targets more major glory

Osaka triumphed 6-2 6-4 on Saturday in a final that was overshadowed by a dispute between opponent Serena Williams and umpire Carlos Ramos.

Williams was issued a code violation for what the official deemed to be coaching from Patrick Mouratoglou, irritating the 23-time major champion who insisted she was not a cheat.

A point penalty for racquet abuse led to her branding Ramos a "liar" and a "thief" and she was then docked a game, after which the American called for the match referee and alleged she was being treated differently to male players.

Pacific Oceania expecting big step up after Fed Cup promotion

The regional team came from behind to beat Singapore 2-1 in their promotion play-off semifinal in Bahrain at the weekend, winning the decisive doubles rubber in straight sets.

Team captain Gilles De Gouy said, after three years in Group Two, taking on the likes of China, Korea and Kazakhstan will be a whole new level.

"Because now we are going to compete with girls definitely in big countries of tennis, girls who are in the top 100 or top 200 for most of them...definitely playing between the middle of the big nations of Asia," he said.

Pacific Oceania a step closer to Fed Cup promotion

Carol Lee from the Northern Marianas thrashed Maryam Al Balushi 6-0 6-0 in the opening singles rubber before Abigail Tere-Apisah held off a strong challenge to beat Fatma Al Nabhani 7-6 7-5.

The Papua New Guinean then combined with Samoa's Steffi Carruthers for a 6-0 6-1 win in the doubles.

Pacific Oceania, who also swept Iran in their opening match, are top of Pool C with a round to play.

The composite team only need to win one rubber in today's final pool match against second-placed Malaysia to advance to the semi-final promotion playoff.

     

Pacific Oceania claim Fed Cup 'underdog' tag

Papua New Guinea's Abigail Tere-Apisah and Samoa's Steffi Carruthers are back for a fourth consecutive year, while Carol Lee from the Northern Marianas will make her second appearance for the composite side.

The women face Iran in today's opening round, a side they defeated during last year's Group Two tournament, and will also face Oman and Malaysia in Pool C.

Team captain Gilles De Gouy said the team has arrived in Bahrain fit and ready to go.

Nadal cruises into semi-finals

The 19-year-old, who grew up idolising Nadal and had the Spaniard's poster pinned up on his bedroom wall was smiling from ear-to-ear as he posed for pre-match photos on Arthur Ashe Stadium court with his hero.

That would be the highlight of an eye-opening afternoon for the Russian youngster as Nadal showed no mercy during a one hour, 37-minute thrashing.

Nadal to return to world number one

Federer was beaten by Alexander Zverev in the final of the Rogers Cup on Sunday, his limited mobility leading to concerns over his fitness ahead of the US Open.

The Swiss, who has already triumphed at the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year, reported only "aches and pains" after the tournament.

But the 19-time grand slam champion's condition is bad enough for him to pull out of a competition he was won seven times.