The CROWNE PLAZA Saipan International began today, and there was no shortage of drama.
In the first women’s singles match of the day, Kim Ga Ram (KOR) upset top seed Malvika Bansod (IND). Kim moved with speed and strength that made it difficult for Bansod to respond, closing out a clinical 21-11, 21-14 win over the world number 43 in just 29 minutes.
One of Australia’s rising stars, Ephraim Stephen Sam, advanced to the next round in the men’s singles. After an early exit last week, the Australian settled into his game to defeat Thailand’s Tonkid Saeheng 21-17, 21-15.
“Last week it was a bit hard for me to adapt to the conditions, but I really tried to focus on getting a better feel for the court with the wind and the lighting,” said Stephen Sam. “I’m figuring out what’s best for me and sticking to that, sticking to my strengths.”
Stephen Sam is the only Oceania singles player to advance in the competition.
Elsewhere in the draw, Andrew Tan (USA) pushed Yi Liu (TPE) to the brink, taking an 18-14 lead in the second game. To avoid a decider, Liu steadied himself under pressure to win the game 26-24 and advance to the next round. Final score: 22-20, 26-24.
Meanwhile, men’s number one seed Wang Yu-Kai (TPE) survived an early scare against Rei Miyashita (JPN), needing three games to close out a 21-13, 20-22, 21-10 win.
On the women’s side, last week’s YONEX Northern Marianas Open women’s singles champion Sakura Masuki (JPN) cruised through to the next round, along with number two seed Ella Lin (USA).
In a battle between young talents, USA’s Audrey Chang bested India’s Naishaa Bhatoye. Bhatoye started slow, and Chang quickly capitalised, racing to a 21-5 first-game win that suggested a quick finish. But Bhatoye returned from the interval a different player, closing down Chang’s lead with newfound composure to take the second game. In the decider, Chang’s endurance and precision proved decisive, her placement keeping the shuttle just out of her opponent’s reach. Final score: Chang def. Bhatoye 21-5, 15-21, 21-14.
In the last match of the day, USA’s Jacob Zhang edged out Singapore’s Tan Rui Yang Ryan in a nail-biting three-game battle, winning 12-21, 21-15, 23-21.
“The first set I was really uncomfortable and couldn’t find my rhythm,” said Zhang. “I was just a bit nervous, but I kept trying to push through, keep the rallies longer, and cut down on mistakes. I’m feeling a bit more comfortable with the environment compared to last week, but maybe just a bit tired — hopefully we can get moving a bit more tomorrow.”
