Men’s Singles
The Lee twins got off to a flying start in their men’s doubles final. Chang and Po seemed to have little response as Fang-Jen and Fang-Chih went into the interval 11-5 up. There was not a lot of chatter from either team in the break, however something had changed as number one seeds, Chang and Po closed the gap to take the game to extension, playing point for point, and only losing in a score that could go no further.
In the second game Chang and Po returned to the court with a determination about them. They led at the interval 11-5 but just like the first game, the gap closed with Lee and Lee making less mistakes and once again, going to extension, and securing the win.
- Fang-Jen Lee/Fang-Chih Lee (TPE) [1] vs Chang Ko-Chi/Po Li-Wei (TPE) 30-29 22-20
“We were nervous going into this game, but we support each other. We have been playing together since aged 16 so know each other well” said Fang-Chih Lee
Women’s Singles
In a repeat matchup of last week’s women’s singles final, it was 16-year-old world junior champion, Tomoka Miyazaki who held her nerve and led against the Korean after the first game. Kim Ga Ram, who came through qualifying to make a final twice in two weeks, took a commanding lead from the beginning of the second game, shutting down Miyazaki. In the third, both young women showed skill and determination. Nearing the end of the game, Miyazaki secured a run of points to put Kim under pressure. Keeping her nerve, the Japanese player secured the win and title of Women’s Singles Champion.
- Tomoka Miyazaki (JPN) vs Kim Ga Ram (KOR) 21-19 14-21 21-17
“I felt down today in my match, but my coach encouraged me to rise and have confidence. After playing her [Kim Ga Ram] last week, we know how each other plays, and I was able to use that to my advantage”.
Mixed Doubles
Newcomers to the draw this week, Presley Smith and Allison Lee entered the final by eliminating the number one seeds, Chang Ko-Chi and Lee Chih Chen. With confidence mounting, the pair from the United States, who had great crowd support, narrowly missed securing the first game. After a discussion with their coach, a new plan seemed to evolve, with the second game being played with more pace and aggression. Having never played together as a mixed pair, it was not obvious as they moved around the court in unison, seemingly being able to read each other’s play. They convincingly and methodically set about shutting down the Chinese Taipei pair and coming away with their first mixed doubles title together.
- Presley Smith/Allison Lee (USA) vs Wei Chun Wei/Nicole Gonzales Chan (TPE) 20-22 21-18 21-14
Women’s Doubles
Hsu Ya Ching and Lin Wan Ching continued their dominance in the Northern Mariana Islands, winning a second title in as many weeks. The number one seeds did not allow the Japanese pair to get a hold in the match. With the Yonex Taipei Open next week the pair from Chinese Taipei will be brimming with confidence and carrying good form when they step onto court.
- Hsu Ya Ching/Lin Wan Ching (TPE) [1] vs Sayaka Hobara/Yui Suizu (JPN) 21-10 21-18
Men’s Singles
Sixth seed, Takuma Obayashi (JPN) had an intense semifinal match against third seed Jeon Hyeok Jin. The Korean, who finished runner-up at the CROWNE PLAZA Northern Marianas Open 2023 could not improve on last week’s placing. Obayashi was calculating and pounced on any mistakes that Jeon made.
Takuma Obayashi (JPN) [6] vs Jeon Hyeok Jin (KOR) [5] 21-19 21-16
A review of all results from today’s final are available to view on Tournament Software.
All video footage from courts one and two throughout the tournament is available to watch for free on Badminton Oceania’s YouTube channel – click here to view.
More photos are videos are available to view on Badminton Oceania’s Facebook page.
