Pacific Games gold medallist in the 800m, Kaminiel Matlaun, received a wake-up call in Lae this week when he was beaten by Popondetta’s Martin Orovo.
At the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium, Orovo, who was the bronze medallist at the 2015 Games, controlled the race throughout and held off late challenges from both George Yamak and Matlaun. He cruised home in 1 min 57.6 seconds from Matlaun (1:57.8) and Yamak (1:58.2).
The young distance runner in Abel Siune, from Simbu, assisted the athletes by setting a good pace of 57.6 seconds on the first lap.
President of Athletics PNG, Tony Green, said this was the first 800m race for almost a year for all three athletes and a good gauge of their fitness at this stage of the season as they prepare for overseas competitions.