BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Nine of Solomon Islands’ most promising young tennis players are preparing to represent the country at the upcoming Pacific Oceania Junior Championships in Fiji from April 10–18 following their successful qualification earlier this year.
The junior squad secured their places through the West Pacific Qualifiers hosted in Honiara in January, where players from several Pacific nations competed for spots in the regional championship.
Speaking in an interview, Coach Elizabeth Tesimu confirmed that Solomon Islands will send a nine-member team across several age divisions.
“We have a total of nine players—two under-12 boys, three under-12 girls, two under-14 and two under-16,” Tesimu said.
The West Pacific Team representing Solomon Islands at the championships include:
-Porsche Petersen (U12 Girls)
-Jane Talisha (U12 Girls)
-Mary Maike (U12 Girls)
-Harry Clay (U12 Boys)
-Simeon Riiagalo (U12 Boys)
-Rachel Tamu (U14 Girls)
-Eldwin Kukiti (U14 Boys)
-Yelana Constantine (U16 Girls)
-Petra Tamu (U16 Girls)
She explained that the players were selected after impressing officials during the qualifying tournament held locally earlier this year.
“The team that qualified for the Pacific Oceania Junior Championship was through the West Pacific Qualifiers hosted here in Honiara earlier in January.
“A team of officials from Oceania selected those who qualified to compete in the championships,” she said.
The tournament will be staged at multiple venues in Fiji, with under-12 matches set for Nadi Sports Club, while under-14 and under-16 competitions will be held at the Lautoka Training Centre.
Tesimu confirmed that the team will depart Honiara on April 8 ahead of the championship’s official start two days later.
According to the coach, the event will be highly competitive, with teams from across the Pacific vying for top honours.
“In terms of competition, this championship is a tough one—tougher than the West Pacific Qualifiers.
“The East Pacific and North Pacific teams are usually the strongest and often finish first or second,” she said.
Despite the challenge, Tesimu said the Solomon Islands team is aiming high.
“We want to become the top team in the championship, and not only that but we also want our players involved in the Oceania team,” she said.
The coach added that qualification to the regional tournament is an important pathway for young players seeking to progress to higher levels of international tennis.
“It’s a very important tournament for the junior players because if they perform well, they can qualify to represent Oceania.
“That can open doors for international competitions and even scholarships in the future,” she said.
In preparation for the tournament, the players have been undergoing intensive match-play sessions and fitness training.
“This week we are focusing on match plays and some fitness training so the players can stay longer in the game,” Tesimu explained.
The team will be accompanied by two coaches—Tesimu and fellow coach Clivert and the development of the players has been supported by partners including International Tennis Federation, Oceania Tennis Federation, Tennis Australia and the Solomon Islands Tennis Federation.
Tesimu also acknowledged the strong backing from parents and supporters.
“We would like everyone to give their full support for the team. Please no negative comments—just support our team representing Solomon Islands.
“Your support will give them effort and comfort when they are on the court,” she said.
Photo credit: Richard Menanopo
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