Hosts Tonga and Samoa made winning starts to the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Qualifier – Oceania, with both teams securing comfortable victories in Nuku’alofa.
Tonga defeated Cook Islands 81-55, while Samoa beat Papua New Guinea 72-56 in the opening matches of the five-team Oceania qualifying tournament.
The tournament brings together Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea, with two places at the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 up for grabs.
Tonga Tala entered the tournament ranked seventh in the world and have been dominant against Pacific opposition in recent years.
However, Tonga were beaten by Samoa Tifa Moana in the PacificAus Sports series, with Samoa taking the title from the defending champions.
The Oceania qualifier provides another test for Tonga as they look to secure their place at next year’s World Cup in Sydney.
With only two World Cup spots available, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea will battle throughout the tournament for qualification.
