The Fiji Pearls have achieved a notable ranking of 14th in the latest World Netball (WN) world rankings, which were announced recently. With a total of 2,448 points and a rating of 79 points, Fiji has made a commendable leap from their previous 15th position in March of this year.
In the Pacific region, Tonga holds the highest rank at 7th, while Samoa sits at 17th. Additionally, Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands are positioned at 29th and 33rd, respectively.
The WN world rankings saw 30 positional changes this past year, reflecting the dynamic nature of the sport. New Zealand has regained the second spot after their victory against Australia in the Constellation Cup, while Australia remains the top-ranked team despite a slight decrease in their rating. Jamaica has also climbed to third place after defeating England in the Horizon Series, pushing England down to fourth.
The updates also welcome the addition of new teams into the rankings, with India debuting at 41st, the British Virgin Islands at 45th, and both Chinese Taipei and the Maldives at 50th, showcasing the growing talent pool in netball.
As the year concludes, the World Netball rankings now encompass 52 teams, an increase of eight since last year, illustrating the expanding global interest in netball. The rankings will be finalized again in 2024, incorporating outcomes from significant tournaments such as the Asia Netball Championships and the Celtic Cup.
This upward trajectory for the Fiji Pearls is a promising sign of their dedication and potential. The increase in the total number of ranked teams reflects the growing competitiveness and popularity of netball worldwide, encouraging fans and aspiring players alike.
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