Eight tennis players representing Tonga at the Pacific Games in Samoa over the next few weeks were in the kingdom last week to sharpen their skills and showcase their trade to the locals.

President of the Tonga Tennis Association, Carl Sanft, said this team is perhaps the best prepared and best ever team since the games started in 1963.

“These are the best players we have from New Zealand, Australia and Tonga”.

He said the team is fit and recently competed in the United States of America at California and Utah clubs.

While in Tonga, the team paid their respects at the burial site of one of Tonga’s finest tennis player, Motuliki Kailahi.

Senior tennis player, Kruser Ma’asi said the visit to Tonga and the gravesite is important for the players so they recognize their mission to Samoa is not just about themselves and a tennis tournament.

“They are there to represent their families, their country and all tennis players who represented Tonga in the past.”

Team Manager, Tuai Finau, said they received support from the Tonga Sports Council, Tongan Government, and their major sponsor over the last four years, Tonga Gas Ltd.

“Through their financial assistance, Tonga was represented in the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa, 2016 Ocean Tennis Tournament in Fiji, 2017 Fiji Open as well as the 2018 Mini Games in Vanuatu. Medals were won in these tournaments.”

The team were also supported by the East Tamaki Domain Tennis Club in New Zealand where they trained on their courts over the last two and a half months free of charge.

In Samoa, the tennis competition started today and will run over the next few weeks.

Tennis Team:

• Sisilia Laumanu Teu (NZ, Female) - Otahuhu Tennis Club
• Kendra Paea (NZ, Female) - Cockle Bay Club
• Brooke Ma’asi (Aus, Female) - Altona Tennis Club
• Ela I Puleni Vakaukamea (NZ, Female) - St Kentigern
• Junior Fanguna (NZ, male) - East Tamaki Domain Tennis Club
• Semisi Fanguna (NZ, male) - East Tamaki Domain Tennis Club
• Christopher Ma’asi (Aus, male) - Altona Tennis Club
• Kruser Ma’asi (Aus, male) - Altona Tennis Club

Coach: Etuina Tuima (NZ)
Manager: Tuai Finau (Tonga)