The SWA Samoa Weightlifting team continues to lead the Oceania Weightlifting Federation competition, after defeating Papua New Guinea in the third round. 

The President of the Samoa Weightlifting Federation and national coach, Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork, said he is proud of how their athletes have stuck to their training which had enabled them to produce the results.

"It was again a fantastic performance from the SWA Samoa Weightlifting team," he said. 

More than 90 percent of the team have been setting themselves personal bests.

"Credit to all the hard work been put in over the past six months. Results are starting to come," he said. 

"A special thank you and acknowledgement to Samoa Water Authority for standing behind the team and believing in our team. This is the first naming sponsor Samoa Weightlifting have been able to secure since the  history of the sport in Samoa. With SWA behind us, we are confident we can go all the way to winning medals at the Olympic Games, etc."

According to the Oceania Weightlifting Federation, Samoa's performance is really fascinating as they were able to bounce back and claimed first place.

"The OWF League is Tournament is starting to become very exciting. Samoa with its strong team has bounced back to the top of the ladder with a massive win over Papua New Guinea. Once again the Samoan team produced some brilliant performances in this round," the competition organisers say.

Samoa beat PNG by 1,572kg. Samoa has a total of 9 points and an aggregate score of 2607.82kg, it has increased by 1,208.43kg. After round two, Samoa's aggregate score was at 1,399.39kgs.

Samoa is set to meet New Zealand in October 2nd and 3rd, the two countries have a total of 9 points, so whoever wins their match will break away with the win.

"The next round, that is Round 4, we will Samoa take on New Zealand. The winner will break away on the ladder from the rest of the countries. However, let's not forget Kiribati who at the moment is unbeaten. They will be taking on Nauru. This will be another great match," says the Oceania Weightlifting Federation.

The New Zealand's team are, for the males they have Cameron Smith, Tim Greene, Kitini Taihuka, Kaden Gibbons, Morgan Gibbons, Dustin Terrill, Cameron McTaggart. And for the females they have, Megan Signal, Renee Baarspul, Samantha Hansen, Kelsie Chapman, Olivia McFarland, Madeline Shelling and Kanah Andrews-Nahu.

For Samoa's male team, they are John Tofi, Bob Pesaleli, Jack Opeloge, Don Opeloge, Petelo Lautusi, Sanele Mao, and Junior Tasi. 

For females they have, Avatu Opeloge, Sekolasitika Isaia, Saofaialo Jim, Leotina Petelo, Lesila Fiapule, Luniarra Sipaia and Fegaiga Stowers.