The Fiji Pearls have achieved a notable milestone by moving up to 14th place in the latest World Netball (WN) world rankings, which were released recently. The team’s current standing is bolstered by a total of 2,448 points and a rating of 79, reflecting their performances in matches held up to November 26, 2023. This marks an improvement from a 15th place ranking earlier in March of this year.
In the Pacific region, Tonga remains the highest-ranked nation at 7th place, while Samoa follows closely in 17th. Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands are ranked 29th and 33rd, respectively.
The update from World Netball revealed a total of 30 positional changes across the rankings following several significant events, including the Constellation Cup, where New Zealand reclaimed their second position after winning against Australia. While Australia remains atop the rankings, their rating decreased slightly, reducing the gap between them and New Zealand.
Jamaica’s recent victory over England in the Horizon Series propelled them to 3rd place, pushing England down to 4th with a diminished rating. Additional events considered include the Asia Netball Championships and the Battle of the Saints, which resulted in the introduction of four new teams into the rankings as they achieved the requisite number of matches.
India entered the rankings at 41st, while the British Virgin Islands was placed at 45th. Both Chinese Taipei and the Maldives made their debut at 50th, sharing points and ratings. The overall rankings now feature 52 teams, a notable increase from 44 teams last year.
This year’s ranking updates reflect positive growth within the sport, with increased participation and performance improvements from various nations. Fiji’s upward movement not only showcases their dedication but also emphasizes the expanding competitiveness in netball globally. As more teams engage in international competitions, it bodes well for the future of the sport, potentially inspiring young athletes and enhancing the overall talent pool.
In summary, Fiji Pearls’ advancement in the WN world rankings is a commendable achievement, highlighting their hard work and determination while signaling a bright future for netball in the region.
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