Strong start in Fiji

The Cook Islands junior tennis team in Fiji have got their campaign off to a strong start with wins and strong performances during the first day of the Pacific Oceania Junior Championships tournament.

The Cook Islands squad of Andrew Terupe (under 12 boys), Kiana Sword-Tua (under 12 girls), Tamarua Payne (under 15 boys), Jake Bergman (under 15 boys), Roland Neururer (under 15 boys), Tayla Beddoes (under 15 girls), Frederick Goodwin (under 18 boys) and Lillian Maui (under 18 girls) are competing in the East Pacific division of the tournament that runs up until August 12.

In the under 12 boys division Andrew Terupe defeated his first opponent Edward Chung from Guam 6-3, 6-4 while Kiana Sword-Tua was defeated by her opponent in the under 12 division 6-3, 6-2 but no doubt the tenacious youngster will bounce back when she faces her second opponent today.

In the under 15 girls division Tayla Beddoes defeated Shawn Adams of Fiji 6-2, 6-4.

Jake Bergman had two tough matches in the under 15 boys division which were won by his opponents while fellow team mates Tamarua Payne and Roland Neururer both registered wins in the competitive division.

In the under 18 division Frederick Pickering had a battle on his hands when he faced American Samoa opponent Christian Duchnak.

But Pickering kept his cool to win the match 7-6 (9), 6-1 while Lillian Maui lost her first game 6-1, 6-2 against Thea Minor.

The tournament will run up to August 16 and the local players are expected to get better with each game as they gain invaluable experience at the Fiji tournament.