DOVE Saipan International 2024 - Day One Summary

Photo Credit: NMBA

9 July 2024 – The anticipated DOVE Saipan International 2024 (9-13 July) kicked off today, starting at 12:00 pm at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium in Saipan. The first day’s events will feature both women’s and men’s singles matches. A new week for a new tournament means new opportunities to shine, fresh challenges to conquer, and another chance for athletes to demonstrate their skill and determination on the court.

Women’s Singles: In a stunning display of skill and determination, Sakura Masuki from Japan, recently crowned as the Northern Marianas Open 2024 women’s singles runner-up, secured a decisive victory against her Malaysian opponent, Lee Xin Yi Megan, in two straight sets. Meanwhile, just one court away, Thailand’s Thanmonwan Nithiittikrai battled fiercely against Yang Yu-Chi from Chinese Taipei. After an hour-long, intense three-game match, Yang Yu-Chi clinched the win. Despite having to withdraw from the previous tournament, Japan’s number six seed, Riko Gunji, made a strong comeback to advance to the round of 16 with a solid win.Shaunna Li from New Zealand also began the tournament with a strong start, defeating Zih Ling Huang from Chinese Taipei in two games, advancing to the round of 16. Singapore’s Insyirah Khan showcased her resilience with a remarkable comeback, overcoming a first-game loss to defeat Yoo Seo Yeon from Korea. In another thrilling encounter, Tidapron Kleebyeesun of Thailand faced off against number two seed Lin Hsiang Ti from Chinese Taipei. Although Kleebyeesun took the first game 28-26, Lin Hsiang Ti mounted a comeback to win the next two games, defeating the rising Thai star.Kaoru Sugiyama, the CROWNE PLAZA Northern Marianas Open 2024 Women’s Singles champion from Japan, demonstrated her tenacity by recovering from an initial setback to defeat her friend, Tsai Hsin-Pei from Chinese Taipei. In a surprising turn of events, Korea’s Lee So Yul avenged her previous loss to Japan’s Sorano Yoshikawa by winning in two sets.

Women’s Singles Results:

Sakura Masuki (JPN) vs Lee Xin Yi Megan (MAS) 21-12, 21-13
Yang Yu-Chi (TPE) vs Thanmonwan Nithiittikrai (THA) 21-15, 19-21, 21-15
Riko Gunji (JPN) [6] vs Lee Yu-Hsuan (TPE) 21-12, 21-15
Insyirah Khan (SGP) vs Yoo Seo Yeon (KOR) 15-21, 21-11, 21-15
Lin Hsiang Ti (TPE) [2] vs Tidapron Kleebyeesun (THA) 26-28, 21-16, 21-12
Kaoru Sugiyama (JPN) [4] vs Tsai Hsin-Pei (TPE) 21-19, 21-9
Lee So Yul (KOR) vs Sorano Yoshikawa (JPN) 23-21, 21-9

Shaunna Li (NZL) vs Zih Ling Huang (TPE) 21-17, 21-14

Men’s Singles: On court 3, Surasit Ariyabaraneekul had to retire due to an ankle injury, allowing Rylan Tan from the USA to advance to the round of 32. CROWNE PLAZA Northern Marianas Open 2024 men’s singles champion, Cheng Kai, triumphed in a three-game match against Varot Uraiwong, ending the latter’s run in Saipan. In another exciting match, Ting Yen-Chen faced Eogene Ewe from Malaysia, with the lead changing hands throughout the three games. Ultimately, Ting Yen-Chen emerged victorious.

Highlighting New Zealand’s Edward Lau’s efficient win against Andrew Tan from the USA, he was able to dominate the match with his precise shots and strategic plays, securing a decisive victory. Meanwhile, Qixuan Huang from Australia, despite his best efforts, could not secure a win against Hsin Tse Tu from Chinese Taipei. In a closely contested match, Malaysia’s Jia Wei Joel Koh defeated Garret Tan from the USA in a tight three-game battle, showcasing aggressive and consistent play.

Men’s Singles Results: