Day one of the Athletics competition in Wallis saw some mixed results for PNG today with a big shock in the first event as Sapolai Yao collapsed after 10 laps of the 25 lap 10000m race. Yao came into the Games as one of the medal favourites but paid the price for trying to keep up with the experienced Nordine Benfodda of New Caledonia. Though the pace was not particularly fast , the heat took its toll on two of the five starters, with Edwin Yokai of Vanuatu also failing to complete the race. Yokai was stretchered away by the medical team after collapsing. This left the way clear for Simbai Kaspar to collect the bronze medal as he only had to complete the race to finish third.
Better news came later in the day for PNG with Kupun Wisil running a very fast 100m to qualify for the semi finals with 10.61 secs. “With the following wind being recorded at 2.3 metres per second this cant be classed as a personal best, but considering Kupun’s pb is 10.88 this is a very good time indeed” said Athletics PNG President Tony Green. Wisil was the second fastest qualifier behind Waisake Rasalala of Fiji (10.60) with the hot favourite Banuve Tabacaucoro easing through in 10.65.
Solomon Susame also qualified for the semi final with a time of 11.09 but Joe Matmat was disqualified for a false start. In the mens 400m all three PNG boys qualified for tomorrows final with Kamniel Matlaun second fastest overall with 49.68 ; Theo Piniau clocking 50.51secs ; and Kevin Kapmatana 50.06.
Tony Green
Tuesday 3 Sept
Last Modified on 06/09/2013 16:13