Three months after Super Typhoon Sinlaku caused widespread damage across the Northern Mariana Islands, athletes from more than 20 countries will converge on Saipan as international badminton returns to the Pacific.
The YONEX Northern Marianas Open and CROWNE PLAZA Saipan International represent not only a return of world-class competition, but a chance for Saipan to once again welcome the global badminton community.
As former champions, international stars, and Oceania hopefuls prepare to take the court, there will be no shortage of storylines to follow.
Returning to Familiar Courts
In the men’s singles, 2025 runner-up Kim Hae Deun (KOR) returns determined to go one better after falling just short of the title last year in a marathon final. Standing in his way will be a talented international field, including Chinese Taipei’s Wang Yu-Kai, who has already enjoyed significant success across Oceania’s Grade 3 circuit, after reaching the podium at three Grade 3 events across New Zealand and Australia last season.
The women’s singles will also welcome back familiar faces. Sakura Masuki (JPN) returns to defend her Saipan title, while Tanya Hemnath (IND) will be looking to continue her success in the following week’s CROWNE PLAZA Saipan International as the defending champion.
International Talent Returns to Saipan
Veteran Misha Zilberman (ISR) brings a wealth of international experience, while rising stars such as Garret Tan (USA) and Ephraim Stephen Sam (AUS) will be looking to make their mark against strong opposition.
The women’s singles draw is equally competitive. Mikaela Joy De Guzman (PHI), who won fans throughout Oceania with her memorable run at the MAXX North Harbour International 2025, joins a field that also includes Niina Matsuta (JPN), Mansi Singh (IND), and Ella Lin (USA), the highest-ranked player entered in the competition.
The following week, another major contender arrives in the form of HSBC BWF World Tour regular Malvika Bansod (IND), adding further international quality to the tournament swing.
Oceania Ready to Challenge
Lina Tsukagoshi will compete in the main draw of the women’s singles after receiving a wildcard entry.
While international stars will attract plenty of attention, Oceania’s athletes will be eager to make the most of a rare opportunity to test themselves against world-class opposition on home soil.
Northern Mariana Islands talent Lina Tsukagoshi will be one of the players to watch after receiving a wildcard entry into the women’s singles main draw. Competing in front of a home crowd, she will also feature in doubles competition alongside Shaina Malonzo.
Australia’s Ephraim Stephen Sam enters the tournament as the highest-ranked Oceania player in the men’s singles. Fresh from a podium finish at the VICTOR Oceania Championships and appearances at the BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals, the rising Australian will be aiming for a deep run in Saipan.
New Zealand’s Dylan Soedjasa is set for a busy fortnight, contesting mixed doubles with Justine Villegas while reuniting with Raphael Deloy in men’s doubles for the first time since the VICTOR Oceania Mixed Team Championships 2025.
They will be joined by a strong local contingent, with Daniell Pablo/Janelle Panglinan, Evan Seguritan/Genelyn Lansangan, Sernantie Jimenez/Shaina Malonzo, and Mokmin Kim/Trizian Canoza all representing the Northern Mariana Islands in mixed doubles competition.
Top Doubles Partnerships Target Success
Across the doubles disciplines, several highly credentialed partnerships will look to leave their mark on Saipan.
Japanese pair Tori Aizawa/Daisuke Sano return after reaching the semifinals of the 2025 Saipan International, while top-seeded Taiwanese duo Wei Chun Wei/Po Chih Yang arrive hoping to rediscover the form that has made them one of the strongest pairs in the draw.
In women’s doubles, India’s Treesa Jolly/Gayatri Gopichand Pullela headline a competitive field alongside USA pairing Audrey Chang/Jasmine Yeung, who reached the round of 16 at the YONEX SUNRISE BWF World Junior Championships.
The mixed doubles competition will feature some intriguing matchups, including Thailand’s sibling pairing Tonkid Saeheng/Tonrug Saeheng and India’s Mohit Jaglan/Lakshita Jaglan, the highest-ranked pair in the event.
As the countdown to July continues, the significance of these tournaments extends beyond the results recorded on court. For two weeks, Saipan will once again welcome the world through badminton.
The YONEX Northern Marianas Open will take place from 14–19 July, followed by the CROWNE PLAZA Saipan International from 21–25 July at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
More information about the YONEX Northern Marianas Open can be found here. Full information about the CROWNE PLAZA Saipan International is available here.
Photos via Northern Marianas Badminton Association and Australian Badminton League.
