Banuve Tabakaucoro during the heats [Source: Oceania Athletics]

It was a disappointing start for Pacific Sprint King Banuve Tabakaucoro in the Oceania Athletics Championships last night as he was disqualified for a break start.

This was his first competition in the Championship.

Speaking to FBC Sports exclusively from Australia, Athletics Fiji’s Sectional Manager, Joseph Rodan Junior says Tabakaucoro did very well in the heats.

“After some time off it gives him an opportunity to come and experience the type of high level competition that’s over here in the Pacific Games, Actually the Oceania Games, get back into the grove of things and for us its better that actually gets disqualified and breaks over here at the Oceania games at least he prepares himself well and by the time the Pacific games comes around he should be ready to contest the men’s 100 meters.”

The race was won by Kiwi sprinter Eddie Osei-Nketia who clocked in a time of 10.34.

The 18-year-old is the son of New Zealand’s 100m record holder Gus Nketia.

Eddie was the fastest qualifier for the final with a time of 10.43 seconds in the semi-final.

The teenager only committed to competing for New Zealand last month after a tug-of-war with Australia, who he was eligible to represent after spending the last few years there.

Zoe Hobbs of New Zealand claimed the women’s final in 11.56 seconds.