JUDOKA Josateki Naulu gave a good fight but couldn't contain the world number two Srdjan Mrvaljevic of Montenegro, eventually losing to him in the elimination rounds of the men's under 81 kilogram event during the London Olympics on Tuesday.
Mrvaljevic, who was slightly taller (1.84metres) than Naulu (1.75m), won on points after a five-minute gruelling battle.
Manager Nacanieli Takayawa said Naulu performed well and was unlucky to lose by few points in the end.
"Jo came strongly in the end but that wasn't enough to advance to the next stage. It was so close, yet so far for him," Takayawa said.
Team Fiji Chef de Mission Chris Yee said both judokas fought hard and they had difficulty finding a weak point. Yee said Naulu, who was Team Fiji's flag bearer, lost on combined scores and penalties, which in judo term is called "lost by Yuko".
"His competitor was the silver medallist in the 2011 World Judo Championship and was placed 8th at the Beijing Olympics," Yee said.
Meanwhile, in swimming, young Paul Elaisa was placed 3rd in the Heat II of the 100m freestyle, where he clocked a personal best time of 54.87seconds.
His previous best time was 55.32s. The 100m freestyle saw a total of 56 swimmers participating and Elaisa was placed on the 47th position.
In archery, Robert Elder shot against the second seeded Korean Bumin Kim and lost by a few points.
"It was a very exciting competition with great crowd support cheering loudly for Robert who as the underdog was ranked 63rd," Yee said.
"His Excellency President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau witnessed the event and was impressed with Robert's participation."
Kim won the first two sets before Elder fought with all his mental strength to win the next two sets.
"The decision came down to the final three arrows where Robert needed a perfect 10 on the last arrow to cause an upset but the wind and time was not in his favour," Yee said.
"He shot a 7 pointer and lost by a few points.
"It is hoped Robert will be ranked in the upper 30s or lower 40s in the final standings of the 64 competitors who are still fighting out the elimination rounds."
Yee said all Team Fiji athletes and coaches were happy with the performances.