The Fiji Pearls have started the defense of their Pacific Netball Series title in impressive style after beating hosts Cook Islands 58-36 in the last hour.

Pearls Skipper Matila Waqanidrola said they never gave Cook Islands any chance to take the lead in the match as they led from the first quarter to the last.

Waqanidrola said she is impressed with their fitness level.

Fiji started the match with Waqanidrola and Lusi Robanakadavu in defense while Maria Lutua and Afa Rusivakula combined well in the shooting circle and Alesi Waqa, Vaiti Waqatabau and Teimumu Vukinavanua provided quality balls from midcourt.

Raijieli Daveua, Unaisi Rauluni, Nina Cirikisuva and Sera Dakuitoga came off the bench.

Fiji’s next game is against Samoa at 2:30pm tomorrow and the Pearls need to finish in the top two spots in the series to qualify for the World Netball Championships in Australia next year.