The 14th Pacific Games kicked off on Saturday 27 August when the opening ceremony was held in Noumea, which is the capital city of New Caledonia. No less than 3000 athletes from 28 sports and 22 Oceania countries/territories have converged on the Pacific paradise to compete in what are essentially the Olympic Games for the people of the Pacific islands.
Table tennis is a compulsory sport in the Pacific Games, and no doubt some splendid competition will be on offer as champions are crowned and the history books have another page written in them. The table tennis events will begin on Monday 29 August and will conclude on Thursday 8 September.
Most of the Pacific island National Associations used the LIEBHERR 2011 ITTF-Oceania Cup in Adelaide, Australia as their final international hit out before the Pacific Games. The feeling amongst all the teams is that they are ready and willing to compete at their highest level.
There will be 7 events offered at the Pacific Games – Men’s Teams, Women’s Teams, Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.
On paper there appears to be a number of countries/territories that could take home gold medals. Vanuatu has been the king pin of Pacific table tennis over recent years, underlined by the fact that they took home no less than 5 gold medals from the 2009 Mini Pacific Games in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. However, without 2008 Olympian Priscilla Tommy in their line up their medal aspirations will be somewhat dented.
Host nation New Caledonia will also be excepting to keep some gold medals on home soil. They have undergone an extensive training regime under the National Coach Cathy Gauthier and no doubt they will look to rise to the occasion in front of their home crowd.
Tahiti are also entering a powerful team and they will be packed full of confidence after a very successful 2011 to date. The Belrose brothers, Alize and Ocean, will no doubt lead their charge.
Not to be outdone will be Fiji, who claimed the Men’s Team crown at the 2009 Mini Pacific Games. Although they are fielding a younger team in 2011 than in 2009, they will still be a force to be reckoned with. They will have one voice of experience on their side however, with veteran stalwart Wang Qi carrying the baton with his defensive and entertaining style.
The other participating countries/territories will face a very tough test if they are to claim any medals, however they will no doubt be fighting every step of the way. Tonga, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Guam, Nauru, and Palau will all be looking for personal best performances and will step on to the court with national pride.
The 2011 Pacific Games are ready to go – let the games begin!
Last Modified on 31/08/2011 09:28