Quarterfinals wrap at the Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games 2022
Home national champions, Nathan Guerrero and Janelle Panilingan, were the first on court against the top seeds from Tahiti. The first game developed as a relatively close contest as the home duo delivered an effective counter attack to keep up with the top seeds for the majority of the game. However, as the first game reached it’s conclusion, Remi and Melissa ran away with the win and ran away with the second.
- Remi Rossi/Melissa Mi You (TAH)[1] vs Nathan Guerrero/Janelle Panilingan (NMI) 21-16 21-7
Mixed doubles pairs from Tahiti continued to dominate in the mixed doubles, securing three out of four of this afternoon’s semifinal spots as the New Caledonian second seeds denied Elia and Waianuhea the pleasure.
- Yohan De Geoffroy/Marine Souviat (NCL)[2] vs Elias Maublanc/Waianuhea Teheura (TAH) 21-11 21-9
All four seeds in the women’s singles came through in two comfortable games, including Badminton Oceania’s Executive Board member and multiple Pacific Games medlaist Johanna Kou.
- Johanna Kou (NCL) vs May Gaymann (TAH) 21-13 21-10
Three out of the four top seeds in the men’s singles also lived up to their expectation, with Remi and Yohan seemingly on track for a repeat of the Samoa 2019 Pacific Games final. Léo Cucuel encountered a closer battle with fellow compatriot Kyliam Scilloux (who ousted the ¾ seed in yesterday’s second round) to book his place in the semifinal.
- Léo Cucuel (TAH) vs Kyliam Scilloux (TAH) 21-17 21-18
In the women’s doubles, Wallis and Futuna’s Malia and Endrina put on a valiant display against the top seeds from New Caledonia. Despite keeping up with the pace throughout the majority of the first game, their opponents upped the anti in the second, bringing Johanna Kou one step closer to her chance to defend her 2019 title.
- Johanna Kou/Marine Souviat (NCL)[1] vs Malia Takasi/Endrina Nau (WLF) 21-16 21-13
Finally, the men’s doubles became the last discipline to complete it’s quarterfinal course. Once again, Tahiti showed their strength and depth as they claimed three out of the four possible semifinal spots. However, the top seeded New Caledonians still remain in the draw and after a dominant performance this afternoon, they show every intention of living up to their seeded status.
Lucas Julliot/Carl N’guela (NCL)[1] vs Damien Coffin/Corentin Likiliki (WLF) 21-11 21-11
Northern Marianas secure one semifinal spot
Home duo Janelle Pangilinan and Jenine Savellano deny Tahiti and New Caledonia the chance of a semifinal whitewash as they denied Ingrid Ateni and May Gaymann the opportunity in a close women’s doubles contest.
In front of vocal home supporters donning cutouts of Janelle’s face (a prominent figure in the badminton team), the pair played one of their “greatest games yet” to see off the Tahitians.
Janelle Pangilinan/Jenine Savellano (NMI) vs Ingrid Ateni/May Gaymann (TAH) 21-18 21-18.
View all results from today’s quarterfinals on Tournament Software. The semifinals will get underway from 4pm local time (GMT+10) at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
Follow the draws and results on Tournament Software or watch all the active from courts one and two for free on the live stream.
