By Tupou Vaipulu Jr
Speedcuber, Rosabella Pepa (14) was named Tonga’s first national title holder at an inaugural National Rubik’s Cube competition in Nuku'alofa. Seventeen participants included 11 foreign nationals from Europe, Singapore, United States, Australia and New Zealand.
Only the Tongan partiicipants were eligible to win tities in the contest held at Niu Lodge yesterday which saw multiple Tongan participants establish national records.
Rosabella Pepa, who flew in from Ha’apai just to participate in the competition this week, won the main 3x3x3 Rubik’s Cube event and was named Tonga’s first Premier Speedcuber and National Title holder.
Melino Halapua (10) won three separate events including the 2x2x2 Cube, Pyramix and Skewb events. Melino had learned the Skewb puzzle only an hour ahead of the competition and was able to solve it with ease.
Edgar Schaaf was named the inaugural national champion in the 4x4x4 Club event, one of the most challenging events in the competition.
The founder of the World Cube Association, Mr. Ron van Bruchem said that this competition allowed foreigners to participate but only Tongan winners.
Participants:
- Edgar Tonunga-he-lotu Schaaf - Tonga
- George Fakahua - Tonga
- Glen Goh Wee Zhuan (吴洧全) - Singapore
- James Fieeiki - United States
- Jordan Crippa - Italy
- Kalena Fieeiki - United States
- Liam Wadek - New Zealand
- Lucy Senituli - Tonga
- Melino Halapua - Tonga
- Patrick Kleverlaan - Australia
- Peter Hugosson-Miller - Sweden
- Ramona Orzel - Germany
- Ron van Bruchem - Netherlands
- Rosabella Pepa - Tonga
- Tyler Williams - Australia
- Vincenzo Maria Gammino - Italy
- Walter Young Fifita - Tonga
