Vai beats Webb to court gold

 Sixteen-year-old Lynette Vai has won gold after defeating team-mate Eli Webb 3-1, in the women’s individual squash grandfinal at the Steamships Racquet Club yesterday. 

Webb, 40, a veteran PNG squash player, led in the first set with a score of 11-8 but came second in the competition, winning the silver medal.

Meanwhile, PNG teenager Sheila Morove made it to the women’s individual bronze medal play-off but lost to Claire Faucompre of New Caledonia 3-1.

‘Golden girl’ Vai described her win as a fitting reward for her effort and hard work. 

“I shouldn’t say it’s a win as I was competing with my own team but it was a great competition as I know that we were the best-of-the-best who have competed in the women’s individual.

“For me to win this competition is a bonus for me and the icing on the cake as I will celebrate my 17th birthday on July 21, which is seven days away from now,” Vai said.

She said she trained very hard for the Games, making use of the opportunity that the Government provided through the Go for Gold programme.

Vai said the G4G programme had helped her other PNG athletes.

She acknowledged the Government for initiating the programme, which had paid off well with most the athletes making it to the finals.

“What drove me to the gold medal achievement was not money nor fame but my passion and hunger for excellence in the sport,” she said after the victory.

In the men’s individual grand final, PNG’s Madako Suari Junior lost to Nicolas Massenet of New Caledonia 3-1.

 Suari won silver for the country.