Photo Credit: NMBA
13 July 2024 – The finals day at the DOVE Saipan International 2024 delivered thrilling matches, showcasing some exceptional badminton. Play started at 11AM at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
Mixed Doubles: In an all-Japanese final, the top-seeded pair Hiroki Nishi and Akari Sato dominated their compatriots Yuichi Shimogami and Sayaka Hobara. Nishi and Sato showcased their skills, speed, and coordination, winning convincingly in straight sets.
- Winner: Hiroki Nishi/Akari Sato (JPN) [1]
- Runner-up: Yuichi Shimogami/Sayaka Hobara (JPN)
- Score: 21-11, 21-10
Men’s Singles: In a gripping men’s singles final, Malaysia’s Justin Hoh, seeded fifth, faced off against Japan’s Ryoma Muramoto. Hoh demonstrated remarkable agility and strategy to secure victory in two tight games, claiming the title.
- Winner: Justin Hoh (MAS) [5]
- Runner-up: Ryoma Muramoto (JPN)
- Score: 21-16, 21-18
Women’s Singles: The women’s singles final featured a fierce battle between Japan’s Riko Gunji, seeded sixth, and eighth seed Asuka Takahashi. Gunji emerged victorious in a three-game thriller, overcoming the second game resurgence from Takahashi.
- Winner: Riko Gunji (JPN) [6]
- Runner-up: Asuka Takahashi (JPN) [8]
- Score: 21-14, 14-21, 21-16
Women’s Doubles: In the women’s doubles final, Japan’s third-seeded duo Kokona Ishikawa and Mio Konegawa faced off against the Korean sister pair Kim Hye Jeong and Kim Yu Jung. The 83-minute match was a rollercoaster, with Ishikawa and Konegawa clinching the victory in a closely contested three-game match.
- Winner: Kokona Ishikawa/Mio Konegawa (JPN) [3]
- Runner-up: Kim Hye Jeong/Kim Yu Jung (KOR)
- Score: 21-19, 11-21, 21-18
Men’s Doubles: The men’s doubles final saw another all-Japanese showdown as Takumi Nomura and Yuichi Shimogami, seeded third, took on Tori Aizawa and Daisuke Sano. Nomura and Shimogami triumphed in a nail-biting match, winning both games by narrow margins.
- Winner: Takumi Nomura/Yuichi Shimogami (JPN) [3]
- Runner-up: Tori Aizawa/Daisuke Sano (JPN)
- Score: 21-19, 23-21
The DOVE Saipan International 2024 finals day was a testament to the high level of competition and sportsmanship, with each match offering its own unique excitement and drama. Congratulations to all the winners and participants for their outstanding performances!
