What to Watch on Day 2 at Sol2023
As the Sol2023 Pacific Games enters an exhilarating second day with a spectacular line-up of events, there are plenty of sports to choose from.
Rugby league 9s, judo, sailing, swimming, and weightlifting all continue after exciting starts on day 1.
In weightlifting, Solomon Islands’ very own Jenly Tegu Wini snatched the first gold medals of Sol2023 and stood on the podium at her final Pacific Games on day 1, and local fans will have plenty more to cheer about on day 2 at Maranatha Hall, where 12 more medals will be at stake. The action begins at 10am.
In rugby league 9s, Vanuatu women played their first ever international rugby league match at the National Stadium against a strong Tonga women’s side who were also contesting their inaugural Pacific Games. Tonga women and Samoa men both caused major upsets on day 1, beating reigning champions Fiji in each of their competitions, and will be teams to watch on day 2. The action continues at the National Stadium from 3pm.
Day 1 at swimming saw several firsts for competing athletes, one of whom was Solomon Islands’ Nico Solodi, swimming in his first international meet (men’s 200m breaststroke) and the other, Samoa’s Olivia Borg (women’s 100m butterfly) competing in her first Pacific Games. Day 2 promises more action with another eight medals up for grabs. The heats will take place from 9am to 10:30am and the finals will start at 6:30pm, all at Honiara’s sparkling new Aquatic Centre.
Archery begins on day 2 with six different events in individual categories and mixed teams starting at 9am at DC Park. Entry is free.
Day 2’s football action will see four big matches looming large on the horizon. Fiji and Tonga will see both their men and women’s teams out on the pitch, with the men’s matches to be played at the SIFF Academy and the women’s clashes at Lawson Tama Stadium.
Sailing will continue into the second series of their races on at DC Park, starting at 10am with free entry.
Judo, in its final day and with medals up for grabs, promises more gripping showdowns at the SIFF Academy from 10am.
The stage for day 2 is also set for a dynamic blend of skill, strategy and sheer determination across basketball, table tennis, tennis and volleyball, with all four sports (that started early) entering their fourth day of competition at Sol2023.
Teams events will continue in table tennis, including the table tennis Para teams events for both men and women. In tennis, teams events will conclude, with medals up for grabs.
In basketball, Guam are the team to watch in the men’s competition and they will be playing against hosts Solomon Islands at 8:15pm at Friendship Hall. In women’s basketball, Samoa and Cook Islands remain undefeated and are the teams to watch on day two.
In volleyball, American Samoa women, Solomon Islands women and Tuvalu women will be hoping to register their first wins of the Games while New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and Tahiti will hope to maintain a winning streak. In men’s volleyball, Samoa and Tahiti are the teams to watch on day two, as both countries are still without a loss to their names.
Day 2 promises to be a symphony of athletic excellence and another day of excitement filling the air of the happy isles of Solomon Islands. Don’t miss it!
By Melissa Velvel Fare, Pacific Games News Service
