Photo Credit: NMBA
6 July 2024 – As we near the final stages of the competition, the intensity reached new heights at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, where two courts hosted five thrilling matches starting at 3 PM local time.
Mixed Doubles: The afternoon kicked off with mixed doubles, showcasing four pairs battling for a spot in the finals. The formidable Yuichi Shimogami and Sayaka Hobara continued their dominant performance, defeating fellow Japanese duo Kota Ogawa and Misaki Kurashima. Meanwhile, on the adjacent court, the favored Korean pair An Yun Seong and Kim Hye Jeong fell to Japan’s Tori Aizawa and Hina Osawa in straight sets. The finals promise an all-Japan showdown.
- Yuichi Shimogami/Sayaka Hobara (JPN) vs Kota Ogawa/Misaki Kurashima (JPN) 21-13, 15-21, 21-15
- Tori Aizawa/Hina Osawa (JPN) vs An Yun Seong/Kim Hye Jeong (KOR) 21-15, 21-17
Women’s Singles: In the women’s singles, Sakura Masuki (WR 781) advanced to the finals from qualifications by defeating Malaysia’s Arena Samin (WR 449). The match between Japan’s third and sixth seeds, Kaoru Sugiyama and Akari Kurihara, saw Sugiyama secure victory in a straight-sets, 48-minute contest. Tomorrow’s women’s singles final will be another Japan vs. Japan affair.
- Sakura Masuki (JPN) vs Arena Samin (MAS) 21-7, 21-19
- Kaoru Sugiyama (JPN) [3] vs Akari Kurihara (JPN) [6] 21-16, 21-14
Men’s Singles: In men’s singles, Malaysia’s Justin Hoh earned his place in the finals by defeating Cheng-Han Tsai from Chinese Taipei in straight sets. Cheng Kai, also from Chinese Taipei, overcame a tough second game to defeat Singapore’s Jia Wei Joel Koh, advancing to the finals round.
- Justin Hoh (MAS) vs Cheng-Han Tsai (TPE) 21-8, 21-15
- Cheng Kai (TPE) vs Jia Wei Joel Koh (SGP) 21-9, 23-21
Women’s Doubles: Continuing Japan’s dominance, the fourth-seeded pair of Miki Kanehiro and Rui Kiyama triumphed over Mihane Endo and Mei Sudo in straight sets. However, the Korean sister duo Kim Hye Jeong and Kim Yu Jung were unable to overcome the challenge posed by the consistent Japanese pair. The women’s doubles final will also see Japan go head to head for the title.
- Miki Kanehiro/Rui Kiyama (JPN) [4] vs Mihane Endo/Mei Sudo (JPN) 21-19 21-7
- Mizuki Otake/Miyu Takahashi (JPN) vs Kim Hye Jeong/Kim Yu Jung (JPN) 21-12 21-16
Men’s Doubles:
The number three seed, Takumi Nomura and Yuichi Shimogami triumphed over a fellow Japanese competitor, Tori Aizawa and Daisuke Sano, in straight sets. Yuichi Shimogami will advance to the finals in both mixed doubles and men’s doubles. Meanwhile, the favored Korean pair succumbed to the fast and aggressive Japanese duo in a three-game battle. The men’s doubles final will also feature an all-Japanese showdown.
- Takumi Nomura/Yuichi Shimogami (JPN) [3] vs Tori Aizawa/Daisuke Sano (JPN) 21-17 21-11
- Mahiro Kaneko/Shunya Ota (JPN) vs An Yun Seong/Park Kyung Hoon (KOR) 21-15 19-21 21-17
Matches are available to watch on Badminton Oceania’s YouTube Channel.
CROWN PLAZA Northern Marianas Open 2024 Live Score
Tournament Schedule as following:
