Maka Ofati from Tuvalu and Storm Cornish from Fiji showcased their exceptional skills on the court as they triumphed in the men’s doubles final of the Extra Fiji Tennis Open. They defeated Malaysia’s Razlan Shaqeel and Omar Khir in straight sets, displaying remarkable teamwork and resilience throughout the match.
The duo’s victory in the doubles came just after Ofati claimed the title in the men’s singles final, highlighting their ability to blend individual strengths and camaraderie to enhance their performance. “It was a good match,” said Ofati post-match, expressing gratitude to their Malaysian opponents for a competitive game. Shaqeel commended the winners, noting, “Maka Ofati and Storm Cornish are star players. We learned a lot from them.”
In addition to the men’s finals, the tournament saw Fiji’s Daphne Kamoe dominate the 50+ women’s singles final against Australia’s Peta Parker, winning decisively. Young talent Anushka Patel also shone in the Under-12 girls singles final, securing her victory over teammate Kaviva Nair with impressive consistency.
This event underscores the growing prominence of tennis in the Pacific region, particularly in Fiji, where participation in competitions is on the rise. As highlighted in previous tournaments, local coaches are keen on nurturing junior players, understanding that they represent the future of the sport and will contribute to its ongoing development in the region.
The victories at the Extra Fiji Tennis Open not only reflect the players’ hard work but also inspire younger athletes to pursue their passion for tennis, showcasing a strong future for the sport in the islands.
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