By Jeremy Mogi – EM TV Sport, Port Moresby
The final selection process for fighter’s hoping to represent Papua New Guinea in the 2015 pacific games ended today with over sixty members from across the country, pairing off and literally, fighting for a spot.
Samatha Kassman had a grueling encounter against Francillia Kokin in the women’s 67kg bout.
Samantha, although at the receiving end of her shorter opponent’s kicks, managed to outscore her opponent with smart techniques.
A popped collar bone and a kick to the stomach didn’t stop Samantha’s resolve as she went on to win by 21 points to 15.
Theresa Tona, two-time Olympian, was making a comeback, and her opponent Andrea Wagiam, struggled to match her, Tona too strong with the bout ending midway through the first round with Wagiam, carried in an ambulance to the hospital.
National Coach and former German champion, Andy Rutten, said the selection today was the final stage, in a process that began earlier in the year, and reached full intensity four days prior.
He maintains confidence in the ability of the fighters, and said that barring injury, his final squad has already been considered, with the tournament, a confirmation of the names he has.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZKA4moxmw-4%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
