Pictured: Son Wan Ho (KOR) Photo Credit: badmintonphoto
A new week equals a new badminton tournament in the Northern Mariana Islands. The stage is set for the TAKECARE Saipan International 2023.
Many of the players continue to stay in Saipan following the CROWNE PLAZA Northern Marianas Open 2023, choosing to play in the second Grade 3 tournament in as many weeks. There are a few additions to the TAKECARE Saipan International 2023 field, with Luis Ramon-Garrido (MEX) entering the men’s singles draw and the women’s doubles pair from the United States of America, Francesca Corbett and Allison Lee making an appearance.
Kim Ga Ram, winner of the women’s singles at the recent CROWNE PLAZA Northern Marianas Open 2023, again started in the qualifying draw. Up against Ruo Hsuan Ko (TPE), Kim found her rhythm early, eliminating her opposition from the tournament. Another notable mention must go to 15-year-old Yuan Chi Liao, who pushed the more experienced Misaki Kurashima, taking the first game to extension before succumbing in the second.
- Kim Ga Ram (KOR) vs Ruo Hsuan Ko (TPE) 21-10 21-17
- Misaki Kurashima (JPN) vs Yuan Chi Liao (TPE) 22-20 21-16
Meanwhile reserve draw player, Hina Osawa, was promoted into the qualifying draw in two events: women’s singles and mixed doubles. Her two from two wins today see her facing compatriot Tomaka Miyazaki who was runner up in the CROWNE PLAZA Northern Marianas Open 2023.
- Hina Osawa (JPN) vs Hsieh Chih Ying (TPE) 21-14 21-17
Over in the men’s singles draw, there were some long and exciting first round matches to please the appreciative crowd. The imposing figure of German, Max Weisskirchen, who did not progress past the first round at the CROWNE PLAZA Northern Marianas Open 2023, shut down the spirited Koo Takahashi in straight games.
Jia Wei Joel Koh rose to the occasion against former world number one and South Korean two time Olympian, Son Wan Ho. After dominating the first game, Koh looked to take his foot off the pedal, allowing the experienced Son to re-enter the match. After a discussion with his coach in the break, Koh set about seizing the opportunity to not only beat a champion, but to progress to the next round.
- Max Weisskirchen (GER) vs KOO Takahashi (JAP) [8] 21-11 21-15
- Jia Wei Joel Koh (SGP) vs Son Wan Ho (KOR) 21-12 16-21 21-15
“It was great to get the opportunity to play against him [Son]. I played well in the first, during the second game, I rushed it. In the third game I just needed to calm down”
There were mixed fortunes for the Oceania players. In the battle of the Micronesian Islands, Andreau Galvez got off to a scintillating start, while compatriot Paulo Quidato was carried by the local crowd to get him over the line against Guam’s Allan Zeng.
Elsewhere, Australia’s Nathan Tang had a comfortable win to progress to into tomorrow’s round of 32.
- Andreau Galvez (NMI) vs Chen Yan Hu (GUM) 21-12 21-12
- Paulo Quidato (NMI) vs Allan Zeng (GUM) 21-9 19-21 22-20
- Nathan Tang (AUS) vs Raymond Sing (TLS) 21-10 21-11
Check out all results from day one of the TAKECARE Saipan International 2023 on Tournament Software.
All matches on court one and two are available to watch live and free via Badminton Oceania’s YouTube channel – click here to watch.
Day two starts at 10am local time (GMT+10). Follow the latest news and find out more on Badminton Oceania’s Facebook page.
