The Fiji Pearls suffered a narrow 56-51 loss to Tonga in their opening pool match at the Netball World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa on Friday.
The Pearls made an impressive start in the first quarter and led by 16-11 at the break with attacker Unaisi Rauluni scoring 8 goals and experienced shooter Maliana Rusivakula bagging the remaining eight goals.
The Tongans fought hard in the second quarter trying to catch Fiji, narrowing the points gap to 26-28.
Rauluni netted five goals while Rusivakula snatched seven and one goal was not allowed.
Tonga kept on their fighting spirit and made a strong start in the third quarter which saw them for the first time in the match take a 40-36 lead while Fiji tried to make a comeback in the final quarter but Tonga kept shooting to seal th win.
Fiji will face Zimbabwe in their next match at 7pm on Saturday before they round off their pool games against Australia on Sunday.
