Photo Credit: NMBA
7 July 2024 – The finals at the CROWNE PLAZA Northern Marianas Open 2024 took place today, with the competition intensifying as the courts were reduced to one.The Pacific island-inspired trophies stood ready to be awarded, as the play commenced at 1 PM local time at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
Mixed Doubles: The first match featured two formidable Japanese pairs. Despite a closely contested first game, Tori Aizawa and Hina Osawa were unable to maintain their winning streak, ultimately losing to their fellow Japanese opponents, Yuichi Shimogawa and Sayaka Hobara.
- Winner: Yuichi Shimogami/Sayaka Hobara (JPN)
- Runner-up: Tori Aizawa/Hina Osawa (JPN)
- Score: 21-19, 21-12
Women’s Singles: In another all-Japanese final, Kaoru Sugiyama faced off against Sakura Masuki. Sugiyama staged a remarkable comeback after trailing in the first game.
- Winner: Kaoru Sugiyama (JPN) [3]
- Runner-up: Sakura Masuki (JPN) [PFQ]
- Score: 21-17, 21-15
Women’s Doubles: The Japanese pairs continued to dominate as Mizuki Otake and Miyu Takahashi secured an easy victory against number four seeds Miki Kanehiro and Rui Kiyama.
- Winner: Mizuki Otake/Miyu Takahashi (JPN)
- Runner-up: Miki Kanehiro/Rui Kiyama (JPN) [4]
- Score: 21-4, 21-10
Men’s Singles: The only event without a Japanese finalist saw Cheng Kai of Chinese Taipei triumph over Malaysia’s number five seed Justin Hoh, after a closely fought second game.
- Winner: Cheng Kai (TPE)
- Runner-up: Justin Hoh (MAS) [5]
- Score: 21-12, 22-20
Men’s Doubles: The day and the tournament concluded with a thrilling match between two Japanese pairs. The number three seeds, Takumi Nomura and Yuichi Shimogami, emerged victorious, making Yuichi a double winner for the day, having also won the mixed doubles.
- Winner: Takumi Nomura/Yuichi Shimogami (JPN) [3]
- Runner-up: Mahiro Kaneko/Shunya Ota (JPN)
- Score: 22-20, 21-18
Matches are available to watch on Badminton Oceania’s YouTube Channel.
Tournament Schedule as following:
