Fans packed the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium as the CENTURY INSURANCE Saipan International 2025 finals got underway, setting the stage for a thrilling day of championship badminton. With titles on the line, players brought their best to the court; delivering world-class skill, fierce determination, and unforgettable moments across all five disciplines.
MEN’S DOUBLES
In an evenly matched final, it all came down to errors. Both sides were aggressive and powerful, so it was going to take something extraordinary to win.
On one side, Naoya Kawashima/Akira Koga (JPN)’s experience played to their advantage against the young Haruki Kawabe/Kenta Matsukawa on the other.
Kawashima/Koga tried to shake their opponents, but the young pair would not give in. However, towards the end, the seasoned duo managed to pull ahead.
Kawabe/Matsukawa had to settle for their second runner-up finish in two weeks, unable to close down Kawashima/Koga in the final stretch of the match.
The final score was 15-13, 15-12.
WOMEN’S DOUBLES
The women’s doubles final was a showcase of top-tier badminton, with powerful smashes and smart shot-making from both pairs.
Hinata Suzuki and Nao Yamakita (JPN), runners-up at the CROWNE PLAZA Northern Marianas Open, came into the match hungry for redemption.
Suzuki/Yamakita surged ahead early, while their opponents Nanako Hara and Riko Kiyose (JPN) scrambled to close the gap. Despite their efforts, Hara/Kiyose couldn’t catch up in time, and the first game went to Suzuki/Yamakita, 15-13.
After the break, Hara/Kiyose came out strong, racing to a 5-0 lead within minutes. Capitalising on a few unforced errors from their opponents, they held firm to take the second game and force a decider.
In the final game, Suzuki/Yamakita regained their rhythm and composure. They fought hard to reclaim the lead and successfully fended off a late push from Hara/Kiyose, sealing the match with a 15-13, 8-15, 15-11 victory.
MEN’S SINGLES
The men’s singles final delivered fast-paced rallies and lively energy from both players. Riki Takei and Yudai Okimoto (JPN) came out firing, thrilling the crowd with their explosiveness and speed on the court.
The opening game was a nail-biter, with Okimoto, fresh off his title win at the CROWNE PLAZA Northern Marianas Open, pushing Takei to the limit. But it was Takei who edged ahead, clinching the first game 16-14.
From there, the momentum shifted dramatically. While Okimoto began to show signs of fatigue, Takei only grew stronger. With relentless pace and pinpoint accuracy, he dominated the second game 15-4 to seal the match and bring Okimoto’s remarkable two-week run to an end.
WOMEN’S SINGLES
Tanya Hemanth (IND) delivered a commanding performance in the women’s singles final, showcasing poise, precision, and tactical control from the very first rally. Her opponent, Japan’s Kanae Sakai, was put under constant pressure as Hemanth dictated the pace and tested her with a variety of shots.
Hemanth’s composure and consistency paid off as she took the first game 15-10. She continued to dominate in the second, maintaining her rhythm and capitalising on every opportunity to close out the match in straight games.
Final score: Tanya Hemanth def. Kanae Sakai 15-10, 15-8.
MIXED DOUBLES
In the most electrifying match of the day, the mixed doubles final drew a roaring crowd and delivered non-stop excitement. Korea’s An Yun Seong and Lee Yu Lim faced off against Japan’s Kenta Matsukawa and Riko Kiyose in a thrilling contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The first game was a tense battle, with both pairs exchanging powerful rallies and clutch plays. An/Lee held their nerve in the closing moments to edge out a dramatic 18-16 win.
Riding the momentum, the Korean duo continued to impress in the second game. With sharp coordination and relentless pressure, they pulled ahead and sealed the match 15-12, claiming the mixed doubles crown in style.
