Tabakaucoro reigns
ON the penultimate day of athletics competition here at the Pacific Mini Games in Saipan, Team Fiji improved its medal haul from Friday by bagging four gold medals, two silver and one bronze medal to bring the total to seven gold, two silver and two bronze medals unofficially.
Leading the way was Pacific sprint king Banuve Tabakaucoro in the men's 200 metres final. Unlike the 100m final, Banuve didn't really have to work for his win. He had a comfortable lead coming off the turn and coasted the rest of the way.
Back for redemption was Yeshnil Karan in the men's 1500m. Karan dictated the pace of the race from the get go and made it difficult for the rest of the field to come within at least 20m.
With a lap to go, it was clear that
Karan was going to take gold as he extended his lead to about 50m and then 70m. He eventually stopped the clock at 3:59.79s.
Para athletes Iosefo Rakesa and Naibili Vatunisolo completed Fiji's gold medal haul winning the men's and women's ambulant shot put final. Naibili managed 7.42m on her second attempt while Iosefo pretty much dominated the event from start to finish.
Other results: Shawntell Lockington - 1.59m, silver medal in the women's high jump, Fane Sauvakacolo - 1.40m, fourth place finish in the women's high jump and 15.49s, fourth place finish in the women's 100m hurdles final, Samuela Railoa - 22.35s, for 8th place finish in the men's 200m final, Team Fiji men's 4x400m relay 3:24.44s to win silver medal.
Team Fiji has one final event yesterday in the men's half marathon where we were represented by Avikash Lal, the defending 2019 Pacific Games champion.
TEAM FIJI MEDIA
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South Pacific sprint king Banuve Tabakaucoro on the victory dais after winning the 200 metres final in the Pacific Mini Games at Saipan on Friday.