Solomon Islands strike gold as Pacific youth tennis talent shines in New Caledonia meet

Solomon Islands’ young tennis players have made their mark in New Caledonia, winning two doubles titles at a tournament bringing together rising talent from across Melanesia.

Team Solomon claimed gold in the Under-14 and Under-18 doubles after beating hosts New Caledonia in Wednesday night’s finals at the second Pacific Youth Tennis International Tournament.

The results are a strong start for Solomon Islands at the tournament, which is being held at Païta Tennis Club in Noumēa from 11 to 17 October.

Sitting alongside teams from Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands squad brought 10 players to the competition, giving its young athletes the chance to test themselves against regional opposition.

Solomon Islands Tennis Federation coach Charlie Benjamin Junior said the experience was especially important for players competing overseas for the first time.

“We have some players playing overseas for the first time, and to compete in New Caledonia is something big for them.

Young tennis players from the Païta Tennis Club in Noumēa. Photo/Facebook/Tennis Club de Païta

"New Caledonia tennis always brings a good level of competition to the Pacific islands, so it’s good to come out here and give our players the opportunity to test themselves and build their confidence.”

He said he was pleased to see the young athletes represent their country with pride. “It’s great to see the players competing with so much pride and passion at such an early age,” Junior told PMN Sports.

Solomon Islands team manager Julie Petersen said the team was grateful for the opportunity to compete. “Thank you for having us,” she told Païta Tennis Club media.

Team Vanuatu arrive in Noumēa for the Pacific Youth Tennis International Tournament. Photo/Facebook/Tennis Club de Païta

Vanuatu target medals

Vanuatu have also brought a sizeable squad to Nouméa with 12 players accompanied by a team manager and two coaches.

Team manager Freda Vora said Vanuatu was returning for its second appearance at the tournament and welcomed the chance to compete alongside other Pacific teams.

“The team is competing this week, and we are happy to be here again. We have teams from other countries participating as well, and we are having a good time here in Païta.”

“We are looking forward to going home with some medals,” Vora told Païta Tennis Club media.

Fiji is represented by one player, George Draunidalo.

The tournament includes singles events from under-12 to under-18, alongside under-14 and under-18 doubles, giving young players across the region opportunities to build match experience and confidence.

Watch Team Vanuatu at the Pacific Youth Tennis International Tournament in New Caledonia.

A welcome beyond tennis

Before play began, Païta Tennis Club leaders took part in a traditional gesture of welcome with the tribal community of Saint-Laurent.

The ceremony welcomed delegations from Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji, while recognising the community whose land is hosting the event.

In a statement, the club said the custom gave organisers a chance to share their intentions, seek the elders’ blessing and welcome the visiting players.

“A heartfelt thank you to the community of Saint-Laurent for their welcome and kindness. Now, let the games begin, filled with sportsmanship, friendship and great tennis,” the club said.

The visiting teams have also met representatives from the New Caledonia Government’s Department of Youth and Sport and New Caledonia Tennis League president Mélodie Dalle.

Competition is scheduled to finish on 17 October.