Coffin’s First Nations Cup Win
Team Fiji’s Ruby Coffin and Saiorse Breen did wonders during their third appearance in the Punjas sponsored- Pacific Nations Cup at the National Tennis Centre in Nadovu, Lautoka, on Saturday.
The duo defeated Northern Marianas 2-0 in the final of the singles event.
Coffin beat Hyegin Elliot 6-0, 6-0 and Breen defeated Isabel Herras 6-2, 6-0.
Coffin, a Taveuni native but resides in Lautoka was pleased with the win.
“I’ve been playing tennis for the past 15 years and this was my third Nations Cup,” she said.
“My goal is to do better as we were runners-up in the last Nations Cup in 2019. The format was interesting as it was team’s events only as it compresses two singles and one doubles.”
She thanked Tennis Fiji for supporting her involvement in the sport.
“I would like to thank Punjas for supporting coaching and major tennis tournaments over the past few years.”
Learning experience
The baby of the team, Grace Debalevu, 15, of Vunaniu in Serua said, “I love tennis. I played in the double matches, paired with Ruby and Breen I guess, I’ve learned a lot from them.”
“It’s great to play with them again since returning from the Pacific Mini Games.
I am happy with my performance and hope to improve. Firstly, it was an honour to be selected to present the Nations Cup.
“My goal was to make the most of these opportunities to play the Pacific’s best players. That will enable me to engage myself in the sport.”
What the coach says
Team Fiji coach, Raynil Singh said it was a great tournament despite the men’s team not making the last four spots.
“The women’s team did play quite well and managed to get the win against all their opponents,” he said.
The men’s team settled for sixth spot after going down to Cook Islands in the play offs.
“The boys did put on a good effort as they had good fighting spirit. But unfortunately, we couldn’t get a win against big teams.”
This was Singh’s first tournament as a national coach but he has been involved in the sport for the last 10 years.
“It is a different experience. Usually I’m on the court, but this is the first time on the side giving guidance to the players, which is interesting as well. Good challenge for me to pull everyone together,” Singh added.
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj
