Tonga defends a Samoa free-kick Photo: OFC Media via Phototek
Football - Olympic tournament
Solomon Islands began their Oceania Olympic Qualifying tournament campaign with a bang, beating under-strength Vanuatu 3-0 in Auckland on Monday.
Two of the goals came from penalty kicks, one for handball, the other for a foul, which was converted in the 96th minute.
Vanuatu had only two players available to come off the bench.
Earlier, Samoa defeated Tonga 3-0 after the scores were goalless at half-time.
Samoa dominated the second half of their game against Tonga in Auckland this afternoon to give them a great start to the tournament.
Samoa were held 0-0 at half-time by the resolute Tongans.
But they proved the stronger side in the second half.
The opening match due to take place on Sunday was cancelled when Papua New Guinea were unable to travel to New Zealand due to visa issues.
They were due to play the host nation.
Triathlon - Samoa
In a first, 12 triathletes from Samoa will compete in the Fiji national championships and invitational races this weekend.
Tri-Sports Samoa Association President Arthur Mulitalo said having its athletes compete overseas is a big part of giving them more experience, and increasing their skills.
He said Samoa Ironman Darren Young is an elite triathlete, but for most of the others heading to Fiji, this is their first time even going on a plane.
Mulitalo said Samoa is sending a team to the Pacific Games in Honiara in November.
Athletics - Cook Islands
Cook Islands middle distance champion Alex Beddoes is hoping to take his encouraging run at the World Athletics Championships in Hungary into the Pacific Games in November.
The Cook Islands News reports Beddoes was up with the leaders in his 800 metres heat but eventually had to settle for sixth place, in a time of 1:48.31.
Beddoes told Athletics Cook Islands it is always tough racing athletes who are among the best in the world.
Beddoes, who recently won the 800m finals at the Senior Scottish Athletics National Championships, had a hamstring injury before taking part in Budapest.
