Northern Marianas International Begins – Day 1 Wrap Up

Article from Badminton Oceania (badmintonoceania.org)

The newest grade three tournament in Oceania, the Northern Marianas International 2025, kicked off today in Saipan.

After a week of competition between the up-and-coming stars of Oceania, our Pacific players will face talents from across Asia and Pan-Am.

On the first day, men’s and women’s singles took to the court. Some were riding the momentum from VOJC, others were fuelled by last weeks shortcomings, and some were eager to prove themselves on an international stage. Either way, this tournament is already proving to be filled with emotional displays and high-quality performances.

Men’s Singles

In the fourth match of the day, Kosuke Masumoto (JPN) and Choi Jihoon (KOR) met on Court 2. The thrilling matchup brought an early excitement to the tournament. A crowd gathered as the two continued to trade blows. In the end, the Korean player came away victorious, winning 21-19, 21-18.

Later, Tonkid Saeheng (THA) met Teck Joon Kong (MAS) on Court 3. In a gruelling 58-minute match, the pair pushed each other in their limits. Three games later, Kong won the final point to launch himself into the next round.

The top men’s singles seeds will hit the court tomorrow for their first appearances in the round of 32.

Women’s Singles

With upsets, emotional performances, and competitive matches, the first round of the women’s singles did not disappoint.

In match 6, third seed Han Yu Chen (TPE) faced Thailand’s Tonrug Saeheng. Han quickly surged into the lead, winning the first game 21-10. In the interval, Saeheng clearly refocused, as she returned to the court to storm to a 21-11 second game win. During the nail-biting third game, Saeheng dug deep to eventually pull away and secure her spot in the round of 16.

In a stunning display of strength, Chinese Taipei’s Shu-Yu Wen uprooted the number five seed Saena Kawakami (AUS). The Australian was slated to be a serious contender for the overall title, and took the first game comfortably. Yet, Wen slowly chipped away at Kawakami, took the second game, and refused to let her opponent breathe in the third. After forty minutes, Wen shook Kawakami’s hand, taking the match (11-21, 21-13, 21-17).

All other seeds comfortably progressed to the next round.

Other Notable Women’s Singles Results

Kim Min Sun (KOR) vs. Lana Toa (COK): 21-2, 21-4

Lee Soyul (KOR) vs. Mimi Ngo (AUS): 21-10, 21-9

Faye Huo (AUS) vs. Leilah Chung (FIJ): 21-6, 21-8

Victoria Tjonadi (AUS) vs. Lillian Cao (NZL): 21-12, 21-16

Park Ga Eun (KOR) vs. Momoha Niimi (JPN): 21-10, 21-10

Lim Tin En Tiffany (SGP) vs. Ninon Malaval (TAH): 21-10, 21-9