Sisters, aunt win PNG’s first gold

**National tennis sisters Violet and Patricia Apisah celebrating their win.**

By PATRICIA KEAMO
TEAM Papua New Guinea tennis sisters Violet and Patricia Apisah, and aunt Abigail Tere-Apisah, claimed the first gold of the Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games after they beat Fiji in Saipan on Saturday.
The team were undefeated in the singles and team events since Thursday, and triumphed in the final to ensure that PNG was the first country to win gold in these Games.
Violet, who won 6-2, 6-1 against Fiji, said it was special to do it alongside her sister and aunt.
“It’s just a great feeling to play with my aunt and sister for PNG,” she said.
“It’s great to represent my country and play alongside my family.
“Hopefully, we continue this legacy in the years to come.
“I think we will do well in the next Games.

**Team Papua New Guinea’s Violet Apisah celebrating after her 6-2, 6-1 win over Fiji. –teampngpics**

“I think recovery is the main thing that we need to take care of.
“We just need to take care of our bodies and make sure we’re all good for the next Games.
“I was super nervous because it’s my first match since last year, but it feels great to play a few matches.”
Players faced fellow top-two seeds from other countries in the team events on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
PNG singles players Abigail Tere-Apisah and Violet Apisah went undefeated in all their matches through to the gold-medal playoff against Fiji on Saturday.

**Team PNG’s tennis contingent after Saturday’s win over Fiji in the gold-medal playoff.**

In the round-robin matches, PNG beat Kiribati and Guam in the singles and doubles events to reach the semifinals.
PNG doubles players Violet and Patricia also went undefeated in their matches.
The Northern Marianas’ men’s tennis team also won gold after PNG’s triumph.

**Team PNG’s Violet Apisah playing a forehand.**

The tennis medal ceremony will take place on the last day of competition on Saturday.
Chef de mission Kila Dick congratulated the women’s tennis team, saying it was motivation for the rest of Team PNG.
“I’m thrilled to see them come out on top and win the first gold, so that’s exciting for the team,” he said.
“It also starts our journey as the win can boost the morale of others in Team PNG.
“This is a good starting point for Team PNG.”
Meanwhile, national weightlifting veteran Dika Toua is expected to bag some medals when she competes today.
The national men’s and women’s va’a teams will also begin their campaigns at the 13 Fishermen Memorial Monument Beach today.