Team Fiji created history on Thursday evening after winning their first-ever gold medal in tennis at the Pacific Games.
The gold came from Storm Cornish and William O’Connell in the men’s doubles final against Tuvalu.
The side defeated Tuvalu 7-5 in the first set and 5-2 in the second set. Fiji tennis coach and player O’Connell said being part of history for Team Fiji at the Pacific Games was one the greatest highlights of his tennis career.
“I’ve been in the sport since I was a teenager, and I can say this is probably the highlight of my whole tennis journey,” he said.
O’Connell gave credit to Cornish for putting out an impressive performance against Tuvalu.
“He’s a great player and he proved that during the finals. He’s just 18 years old and has achieved so much. This is also his first Pacific Games, so he still has a long way to go.”
Cornish shared similar sentiments of O’Connell, saying he was honoured to be playing with one of the best tennis players in Fiji.
“This is a huge achievement for me, and to do it beside one of the best tennis players in Fiji or even here at the games is amazing,” he said.
Meanwhile, O’Connell was also part of the mixed team that won the bronze medal.
