Marsters named most improved

The Cook Islands standout squash player Lyall Marsters missed out twice on winning a medal at the Pacific Games but was awarded the most improved player of the tournament trophy for his outstanding efforts.

The 19-year-old is being touted as a future gold medallist in the sport for the Cook Islands and the Oceania region. This is the second time he has won the Phillip Grindge trophy after being awarded the trophy in 2005.

Marsters teamed up with Christine Hunter for the Cooks last chance at winning a medal in the mixed doubles competition.

The pair faced New Caledonia in the semi finals of the division, which proved a formidable opponent.

They lost 2-1 to proceed to the bronze medal final against Fiji.

It was a highly competitive and closely fought match with a bronze medal on the line.

Fiji took the first set 11-10 before an epic second set that saw the Cooks have the match ball three times but it was Fiji dou that finished off the Cooks 11-10 in the second set and 11-6 in the last to win the medal.

Despite the loss there is a huge amount of pride in the squash family for the team that fought hard and strong and although they didnt win a medal this time they will be a threat in a few short years.