Briefs

NCD darts fire off
THE National Capital District Darts Association began its pre-season at the Sports Inn last Saturday. National Housing Corporation Hauslain, a new team in the competition were given a tough assignment on debut with a first up match against seasoned team Still OK from Erima. The Tokarara team lead by captain Solomon Ori and former public servants league strongman Rao Siare took the bull by the horns and fought right to the end winning the final and deciding single to win 5-4. Poor turnout of teams did not dampen the spirit of the darts enthusiasts, particularly the Tokarara team trying to make an impression as first timers.

Four leave for Korea
FOUR of the country’s best taekwondo athletes left for Muju, South Korea last Sunday to prepare for the Pacific Games. PNG Taekwondo Federation John Cholai said Henry Ori, Steven Tommy, Bobby Willie and Max Kassman would join other fighters from 16 countries who had enrolled for the three-week intensive training programme. “We’ve sent the four athletes to represent PNG at the World Taekwondo Championships in Manchester, UK in May,” Cholai said. In June, the other selected Pacific Games athletes will join the four at the Presidents Cup taekwondo championship on the Gold Coast, Australia, before the Pacific Games in July.

Keneke girls backed
JUDO athletes Marie and Kay Cee Keneke had their K2000 levy fee paid for by 2Fast Motors enabling the sisters to secure their spots on Team PNG to the Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa from July 7-18. 2 Fast Motors chief executive Billy Lin said his company had done its part over the years to back elite sports and backing the siblings was a pleasure for the used car firm. “We were impressed with the Keneke sisters and that they made the national squad to the Pacific Games and we were happy to cover their levy fees to make sure they travel,” Lin said.

Tamaraws play well
TAMARAWS pushed Southern Flames hard before going down 41- 32 in their National Capital District Basketball Association A grade clash at the Hohola court last Saturday.
The eight-point loss was taken as a positive by the buffaloes given the Flames’ domination of the competition with their star-studded roster. In the other encounters Hohola United edged 8-Mile 20-9. In in the women’s competition, Birdwings beat Gerehu Jets 14-9 and Waigani Herons edged Mayawala 20-19.

Yambi, Pepena win
GOLDEN Kina Haus men’s single champion Kelly Yambi remains unbeaten in Group A after an easy win over Peter Yulu at 3-Mile last Friday. Yambi sunk the eight ball leaving Yulu with two balls on the table. While in the women’s competition, Joan Pepena was too good for Dolly Berua leaving her with three on the baize. Pepena’s win maintains her clean record after three round in Group E. Pool competition president Dr Sam Yokopua said that the men’s competition would be forced to play double headers as tomorrow in order for both divisions to finish at the same time.