Thursday, July 16th, 2015
Guam’s Gia Sarusal falls via unanimous decision in her Pacific Games boxing debut, but still takes home the bronze.
It wasn’t easy since she had to switch weight classes while in Papua New Guinea, just four days before her fight.
“She wasn’t confident about the cut and was struggling to make 132 (lbs),” father Don Sarusal said. “So she had to pack on weight to make the middleweight minimum of 152 lbs. In those four days she went from 138 to 152 and fought two days after adding the weight.
“Her Tahitian opponent was at least 11 pounds heavier at the general weigh in (probably even more than that at fight time); 4 years older; and a veteran of 30 fights according to the broadcast team. Everything was against her favor and she still fought well.”
Volleyball
Wallis & Fatuna def. Guam 26-24, 25-18, 25-21 (7th place game) – Women’s volleyball
Fiji def. Guam 25-11, 25-9, 25-27, 25-18 (5th place game) – Men’s volleyball
PRESS RELEASE – From Pacific Games Chef de Mission Joey Miranda
Wednesday, July 15, 2015 – 15th Pacific Games, Sir John Guise Stadium, Port Moresby
Justin Andre finished in fourth place during the Hammer Throw event of the 15th Pacific Games being contested at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby.
Andre beat his Oceania bronze medal mark of 48.28 meters as he was the only athlete to consistently place the sixteen pound object on the field of play without faulting through six attempts. Andre’s second attempt registered 52.10 meters was his best throw. However, his best attempt was overshadowed by superior performances by Erwan Cassier of New Caledonia 61.52m, Alexander Rose of Tonga 58.66m and Eustesio Toto of New Caledonia 55.96m.
“It’s been a struggle preparing for these Games as facilities on island for field events are inadequate. But through this I was able to better my Oceania mark. Although I came up short, I’m determined to work on pushing field events on Guam for future international competitions. I would like to thank my family and everyone who supported me to get to these games.” Stated Andre.
Andre is scheduled to compete in the discus event today at 4:00 p.m.
Boxing teen’s valiant effort falls short
Wednesday, July 15, 2015 – 15th Pacific Games, Caritas Gymnasium, Port Moresby
17 year old Adrienne Francisco’s Pacific Games debut ended in a unanimous decision for his opponent from Tahiti Roger Waoute. The experience of the 29 year old French Polynesian seemed to play a factor throughout the later rounds of the contest.
The judges gave Francisco the first round 30-28 as he popped the older opponent on the head on numerous occasions using his length over the shorter foe. However, Francisco got tagged a couple of times in round 2 as the judges scored the bout 30-27.
In the third round, Francisco seemed to be the more aggressive boxer as he cut the Tahitian with an uppercut to the right eye forcing the referee to consult with the doctor who eventually cleared the fighter and resumed with the round. In the end, the judges scored the round 30-27 in favor of Tahiti with scores of 29-28, 29-28 and 30-27.
The loss can be attributed to experience. According to Francisco his opponent was very strong. “I learned that there are many other better boxers in the world and I will need to keep on working hard and hopefully it pays off toward future success.”
