Relentless Arsenal beat Burnley to stretch Premier League lead – FBC News
[Source: Reuters] Arsenal moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League with a straightforward 2-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor as their mastery of set pieces again proved irresistible on Sunday. Viktor Gyokeres opened the scoring in the 14th minute from yet another corner routine involving Declan Rice and Gabriel, with the Swede touching in from close range. Arsenal moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League with a straightforward 2-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor as their mastery of set pieces again proved irresistible on Saturday. Article continues after advertisement Viktor Gyokeres opened the scoring in the 14th minute from yet another corner routine involving Declan Rice and Gabriel, with the Swede touching in from close range. Arsenal were in cruise control in the 35th minute, this time from open play, as a sweeping counter-attack ended with Rice thumping a header past Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Namosi pays tribute to late coach – FBC News
Namosi head coach Maraia Kasanita has paid tribute to the late Elenoa Kunatuba, describing her as the driving force behind Namosi’s journey to success in women’s rugby. Speaking after their Marama Cup campaign, Kasanita said the foundation for the team’s achievements was built under Kunatuba’s guidance and vision. “If we look into the win today, most of these girls were brought into the team by her. I only taught them a few of the things that she (Elenoa) guided me through.” Article continues after advertisement She added that Kunatuba’s leadership had a lasting impact on both her and the players. “If there is anyone to credit for the win today, it should be her, for what the girls had learned and also what I’ve learned from her for the past three years before she passed away.” Kasanita said the team’s success was a product of perseverance and belief despite past disappointments. “We lost to Suva last year, we even lost to them this year during the round robin stages. We are so happy for today’s win as we have been trying for a very long time.” Namosi’s recent performance marks a proud milestone for the team and a fitting tribute to a coach whose vision continues to shape women’s rugby in Fiji. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Binnu Singh wins – FBC News
Junior Binnu Singh delivered a second round technical knockout win at the Vodafone Arena to bring home the Super Bantamweight WBA Oceania Interim title. Binnu beat Apichart Klintai in the Stratum Construction Zeg Kings Boxing Promotions after the referee stopped the contest just seconds into the second round. Speaking after the fight, Binnu Junior says he wants a rematch with Runqi Zhou whom he lost to earlier this year. Article continues after advertisement A combination of body shots were too much for Klintai in front of thousands of fans. It was the second title for Fiji on the night after national champ Mikaele Ravalaca won the WBA Oceania light weight title with a clinical win over Australia’s Francis Chua. Ravalaca won by technical knockout in the seventh round. In other results, Junior Abhay Chand went down to Isikeli Senidoko via a second round knockout, Andrew Maloney was awarded a TKO win against Pawan Kumar as the referee stopped the fight in their Super Bantamweigt contest. Felise Nabua lost to Rohit Rohit from India after the towel was thrown into the ring 53 seconds in the sixth round and the referee stepped in to stop the fight. Keanu Nadan finished off Apisai Naqica in the first round with a knockout win. Fiji’s heavyweight champion Semi Dauloloma knocked out Savenaca Tuiratu in the second round, Aarti Hoodha managed to beat Laite Nanovu on points. Kimo Vakalalabure beat Rev Anand on points while New Zealand’s Larnce Claerk defeated Senivalati Ratu by TKO after the referee stopped the fight. Ilikimi Saudromedrome won on points over William Korocawiri. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Ravalaca wins WBA Oceania belt – FBC News
Fiji champ Mikaele Ravalaca is the new WBA Oceania light weight title with a clinical win over Australia’s Francis Chua in the Stratum Construction Zeg Kings Boxing promotions fight. The Fijian won by technical knockout in the seventh round. Ravalaca connected some powerful rights that rocked Chua in the fight. Article continues after advertisement The pair stood toe to toe at times and really entertained the crowd.. Chua never stepped back and kept coming at the Fijian but the sixth round was where he nearly hit the deck and luckily he was saved by the bell. In other results, Junior Abhay Chand went down to Isikeli Senidoko via a second round knockout, Andrew Maloney was awarded a TKO win against Pawan Kumar as the referee stopped the fight in their Super Bantamweigt contest. Felise Nabua lost to Rohit Rohit from India after the towel was thrown into the ring 53 seconds in the sixth round and the referee stepped in to stop the fight. Keanu Nadan finished off Apisai Naqica in the first round with a knockout win. Fiji’s heavyweight champion Semi Dauloloma knocked out Savenaca Tuiratu in the second round, Aarti Hoodha managed to beat Laite Nanovu on points. Kimo Vakalalabure beat Rev Anand on points while New Zealand’s Larnce Claerk defeated Senivalati Ratu by TKO after the referee stopped the fight. Ilikimi Saudromedrome won on points over William Korocawiri. Akuila Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Hoodha beats Nanovu on points – FBC News
India’s Aarti Hoodha beat Fiji’s Laite Nanovu by unanimous points decision in their contest at the Stratum Construction Zeg Kings Boxing Promotions at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. The three judges scored 60-54, 59-55, 59-55 all in favour of Hoodha. Hoodha caught Nanovu with a right to the cheek that really shook the Fijian in the second round and many thought the fight would end early but it wasn’t the case. Article continues after advertisement Aarti Hoodha. The visitor was the fitter and experienced fighter out of the two. She never stepped back from the opening round while her young opponent also had her moments. The Indian boxer tried throughout the six rounds to knock the Fijian but failed in their lightweight contest. In other results, Kimo Vakalalabure beat Rev Anand on points while New Zealand’s Larnce Claerk defeated Senivalati Ratu by TKO after the referee stopped the fight. Ilikimi Saudromedrome won on points over William Korocawiri. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Nasilasila ineligible for final – FBC News
Eminoni Nasilasila. Former Fiji 7s rep Eminoni Nasilasila was ineligible to play for Malolo in the Skipper Cup final according to the competition’s Terms Of Participation. Nasilasila didn’t play any club game and is not registered for Malolo. He came to warm up with the Malolo team before the final but the Match Commissioner had a chat with the Malolo manager and Nasilasila clearly outlining the rules of the competition. Article continues after advertisement When Malolo released their team list on Thursday, Nasilasila’s name was included. However, when the Fiji Rugby Union sent out the team lists yesterday, Malolo only had 22 players with Nasilasila’s name missing. Another point considered was his safety, whether the Namatakula man had the match fitness like the rest of the players who have been playing for over two months. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
End of an era for Naitasiri trio – FBC News
From left: Viliame Kanatabua, Etonia Rokotuisawa and Maciu Vakacabeqoli Three veteran Naitasiri players are soaking up every moment in the red and black as they prepare for their final run in today’s Skipper Cup final before hanging up their boots. Fullback Etonia Rokotuisawa, flanker Maciu Vakacabeqoli and outside back Viliame Kanatabua will run out for the last time with the Farebrother Trophywinning team. For the trio, it’s more than just another game it’s a farewell to the jersey they’ve worn with pride and passion for 15 years. Article continues after advertisement The trio and captain Jone Naqiri are the only players in the current squad who battled in the 2022 final against Nadi, where they fell short. Coach Timoci Tinaviti says it will be a bittersweet occasion for Naitasiri, as the team bids farewell to players who have given so much of their lives to the province, both on and off the field. “These three players have been with us for a very long time and we want to dedicate this final dance to them as it will also be their farewell game. They’ve been part of the team since 2015. I told the boys that this week’s game is dedicated to our three senior players who will run out in Naitasiri colours one last time tomorrow.” He adds while the send-off game will be an emotional one, this also means opportunities for those in their u20 squad. “We have spoken this week as a team and have all mutually agreed to give chances to our young players coming up the ranks. So we look forward to seeing some more u20s joining the senior team in the new season.” Tinaviti says todays showdown is especially dedicated to the trio and wishes them well in their future plans. The final whistle tomorrow at Laucala Bay will not only decide a champion but also close a treasured chapter in their rugby journey. Naitasiri will meet Malolo at 3pm at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. You can watch the LIVE action on FBC 2. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Malolo is a good side says Vakatawa – FBC News
Former France outside center, Virimi Vakatawa, [left] says they had to prepare very well this week ahead of the Skipper Cup final today against Malolo [Source: Fiji Rugby/Facebook] Former France outside center, Virimi Vakatawa, says they had to prepare very well this week ahead of the Skipper Cup final today against Malolo at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Vakatawa says they’re looking forward to the final and they can’t take Malolo lightly. He adds the title has been missing from the highlands for a long time. Article continues after advertisement Vakatawa also says that he’s familiar with some players in the opposition. ‘We know Malolo has a very good team and a good coaching team as well, there’s a few that I’ve known for a long time now, we played together in France and I know what they can bring to the table.” The Under 20 final between Nadi and Naitasiri kicks off at 1pm. The Suva and Namosi Subrail Marama final starts at 11am while the Skipper Cup final will begin at 3pm. All three finals will air LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on FBC 2. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Clark fights his way from prison to the ring – FBC News
Source : FBC Sport / Facebook Heavyweight boxer Lance Clark will step into the ring at the Zeg Kings Boxing event tomorrow, competing in Fiji for the very first time against Senivalati Ratu in the heavyweight category. Once trapped in the grip of gang life, Clark only knew the streets until veteran coach Grady Stewart, who has trained UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock and World Heavyweight Champion Lucas “Big Daddy” Browne, saw potential in him and challenged him to turn his fight into purpose. Clark answered that call with relentless dedication, dominating every CrossFit challenge and drilling boxing fundamentals for up to 12 hours a day. Article continues after advertisement He says he has started learning the fundamentals of the sport and looks forward to improving as he progresses. “For me it started long time ago when my uncle used to teach me a few things but now he has passed away. In terms of experience, I had a little bit but not the right way.” For five years, he lived a violent life in prison until he became a Christian and channeled that anger into the boxing ring. Now, he’s using his journey to inspire others, keeping kids away from gangs and proving that even lost time can be transformed into purpose. The Kings Boxing Promotions kicks off at 5pm tomorrow at the Vodafone Arena in Suva, with LIVE coverage on viti.plus. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Big turnout expected for Skipper Cup finals – FBC News
[ Source: Fiji Rugby/ Facebook ] A lot of rugby fans from the western division are expected to be in Suva tomorrow for the Skipper Cup final. Nadi will be featuring in the under 20 final while Malolo is going to take on Naitasiri for the senior men’s title. Namosi and Suva supporters are also going to back their teams for the Article continues after advertisement Malolo manager, Semi Cabenalotu, is optimistic of a big support from their fans because the players are not only from the west. “Our Malolo team is mainly made up of players from different districts in Nadroga and Navosa, some are from Malolo, we also have some players from Vanua Levu playing for us.” Naitasiri head coach Timoci Tinaviti is confident their fans will never disappoint them again as they’ve travelled with them even to Ba. Meanwhile, the Nadi under 20 side hopes they won’t repeat their mistakes from last week against Ba. Team manager, Viliame Tuidraki, says they need to fix and improve their defense. He adds Ba really exposed them defensively in the semifinal last weekend. The Under 20 final between Nadi and Naitasiri kicks off at 1pm. The Suva and Namosi Subrail Marama final starts at 11am while the Skipper Cup final will begin at 3pm. All three finals will air LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on FBC 2. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.