Weather delays frustrates tennis players

By Adel Fruean 16 July 2019, 4:00PM

Samoa started the second week of the Pacific Games tennis competition on a winning note in the individual category against Nauru, New Caledonia and Northern Marianas.

But the second week of the competition has already been hit by delays due to heavy rain. Some of the matches on Monday have to be postponed until Tuesday.

Team Samoa athlete, Leon Soonalole, admitted that the bad weather continues to be a major challenge. 

"It's frustrating," he said. "I think it affects us in a way that it puts off the players having to wait - they were already mentally prepared for their matches. And that's not to mention the fact that waiting is tiring."

The weather last week also affected the competition.

“Another difficulty was our back to back matches because of the delay from the rain last week," he said. "We had to squeeze in all the matches within the small amount of time.

"The team’s event last week was really hard because it was non-stop matches. All the players did not get enough rest because of the tight schedules,” he added.

But the 34-year-old from Alamagoto remains determined.

"In terms of my individual preparations, I have prepared mentally and will try to stay positive, and enjoy the game.


“I acknowledge the local supporters not only for my family but Samoa as a whole who show up to cheer for us it means a lot to us and we appreciate everything.”

Samoa’s women’s team include: Steffi Carruthers, Eleanor Schuster, Penina Kamu, Sauleone Saipele whereas the men’s team: Kristen Pavit, Leon Soonalole, Marvin Soonalole, and Phillip Warren with coach for both men and women’s, June Langton. 

 

By Adel Fruean 16 July 2019, 4:00PM

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