Pacific Games 2019

Beddoes finished first in the 1500 metres with a time of 4 minutes 3.31 seconds.

He also won the 800 metres title yesterday.

Papua New Guinea’s Messach Fred came in second clocking a time of 4 minutes 6.90 seconds while Fiji’s Petero Veitaqomaki finished in third with a time of 4 minutes 7.10 seconds.

The 31 year-old was born and raised in the United States but qualifies for Samoa through his mother, who is from the village of Malie.

Dodson first represented Samoa four years ago but said to compete in Samoa in front of a Samoan crowd was an incredible experience.

Moala Takelo defeated Fred Junior Gwali from Solomon Islands in the final of the men's Under 87kg division to win gold in only his second international event.

"He gives thanks to God. With God himself he's been able to achieve what he's achieved today and he's so thankful."

Sione Tufi, Viliami Moala and Tekiteki Ngahe also won bronze medals at the Harvest Centre in Apia.

Their coach, Master Paula Sitapa, was last the Tongan to win gold in taekwondo at the Pacific Games back in 2007 and said the next generation are showing a lot of promise.

Fiji's Tabakaucoro set a new Pacific Games record of 10.31 seconds to hold off the challenge from hometown duo Jeremy Dodson and Kelvin Masoe to win his third straight gold medal in the event.

"It feels good to come out here and defend my title. It's been a tough few weeks, especially trying to perform to the expectations of the crowd back home."

"This is a title that's been in Fiji since even before I was born so I'm just glad to come out here and defend it once again," he said.

Kaiwalu failed to defend his Pacific Games High Jump title as he didn’t clear the bar at 2.02 meters.

He finished second while Waisea Jikoiono was fourth.

Kaiwalu was tied for silver with Papua New Guinea’s John Richard. Tonga’s Mosese Foliaki won gold with a jump of 2.06 meters.

Neither rain nor clouds could dampen the mood of the July 15^th afternoon.

The decathlon got underway at Apia Park Stadium with the 100m sprint followed by long jump, shot put, high jump and the 400m under the shadow of the Pacific Games torch blazing through the gloomy sky.

Iga, whose forte is the pole vault, one of the five remaining events of the men’s decathlon, currently sits at second place on the results table in his bid for a medal.

It was not always smooth-sailing for the Jiwaka woman.

Two years ago, the sprint queen was outclassed in the 200m by Cook Islands Patricia Taea at the Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu.

Then she had to sit out the Commonwealth Games last year. But she’s on the comeback trail and is determined to maintain her title at the Pacific Games. 

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO LISTEN TO TOEA WISIL'S EPISODE:

His brilliant play has lead Samoa to the Qualifying Final Round as week 2 of the Games commences.

The 17-year old sensation pumped in 27 points, six rebounds, five assists and added 5 blocks for good measure in their thrilling 98-90 win over Tonga to tow the host country to the next round.

"It's always been my dream playing at this level. I remember when I was young I didn't think I would play internationally because I was living in New Zealand but then my Dad loved coming back home to Samoa," Dru shared.

Matelita Buadromo won the Women’s 200 metres Freestyle final while Saint Joseph’s Secondary School student Moana Wind won gold in the Women’s 50 metres Breaststroke final.
A relay team made up of Yolani Blake, Cheyenne Rova, Rosemarie Rova and Buadromo also won gold in the Women’s 4x100 metres Freestyle relay.
The 200 metres freestyle was Buadromo’s second gold medal win.
Epeli Rabua also won a bronze medal in the Men’s 50 metres Breaststroke final.
Fiji also won a bronze medal in the Men’s 4x100 metres Freestyle relay. 

Papua New Guinea’s Morea Baru also made headlines in the men’s 61kg, setting new Oceania and Commonwealth records on day 3 of the Pacific Games.

The day’s first event at Gym 1 Faleata was the women’s 59kg where Yamasaki, Australia’s flag bearer, claimed her country’s first gold medals of the Games. She topped the podium in the snatch, clean and jerk and overall. Jenly Wini of the Solomon Islands collected all three silvers, while Australia’s Seen Lee won the trio of bronze.