THE competitive weekly club competition within the associations in the Central/Eastern divisions has resulted in an improved performance at the Vulaca Championship which started in Suva yesterday.
The annual event got off to a great start in Laucala with some underdogs showing good promise in the two-day meet.
Games co-ordinator Mitieli Waqa was impressed with the stiff competition yesterday adding it would get tougher as the tournament enters its elimination rounds today.
He said the teams showed a polished performance compared to previous years.
"Definitely one of the reasons for the stiff competition is the competitive weekly league these participating associations have," Waqa said.
"In fact one of the requirements for participating in the Vulaca Championship is to have the ongoing weekly competitions."
Waqa said the host Raiwai Volleyball Association's decision to restrict the number of teams to four per association also contributed to the high level of competition. Suva is the only association which is fielding six teams, four in the men's and two in the women's grade.
"Restricting participation to two teams in men's and women's category is bringing the best out of the teams," Waqa said.
"There are some teams like Raiwaqa which is in their revival process are surprising some top teams. The competition will get tougher when it reaches the elimination rounds and some upsets are expected judging from today's (yesterday) games."
Waqa said they were hoping for a better turnout on the final day today.
He thanked sponsors Vodafone and Ministry of Youths and Sports for the financial assistance.