SLBA started its league build with two knockout tournaments last two weeks with Shaq’s team winning the men’s division with the women’s final yet to be played.

Many turned up with their families to watch and support their teams making the league more competitive and livelier.

The SLBA said the knockout tournament was a class of its own introducing teams to the new league competition and a re-structured management.

“The association had conducted development programmes with junior grades leading up to the Open grade.”

He said the competition had improved compared to the first two knockouts tournaments with players being fired up with the support from their fans.

He said the sport had really gone up to another level and he believed that if more competitions are played, the sport would be interested in the future.

“This league is getting more competitive with the knockout setting the platform for the players. It was really interesting with more spectators coming out in numbers to support their teams.”

“The sport had grown very quickly with younger players showing interest in playing representing their teams. A result of this was a young 14 year old featuring in the league.” Suva started the league with eight teams playing due to the unavailability of the courts at Lambert Hall.

The women’s knockout competition is yet to be played and Fiji Development officer Fanny Simpson confirmed that they would later finalize another date for the final.

Game results: Women: Southern Force 16 Shaq 56, Saints 39 Raiwaqa Youth 6 Men: Baseliners 38 Raiwaqa Development 20, Redskins 16 Idaman 30.