Western Bay athletes have made promising starts at the Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China.
The beach volleyball duo of Nathaniel Moore, 18, from Mount Maunganui College, and Kahurangi Robinson, 17, from Western Heights High School, won 2-0 in their second pool match against Lithuania.
Despite playing in the high-profile centre court, they did not allow the music and fanfare to take over. Coach Darrell Boyd said they had good control and played a strong defensive game.
They won the first set 21-19, and the second 21-18. Moore said the two "went into the game a bit nervous", but Robinson's cut shots helped them win the points needed. Their next game is against world champion Brazil.
Coral Headey, 15, of Otumoetai College, showed excellent form in the Techno 293 windsurfing. The shifting winds, however, meant a loss in placings and a surprise for even the most seasoned sailors. Headey was in a top-three position in her individual event, but found it difficult to retain the position because of winds. She is in eighth place after three races.
