By James Sablan
james@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
THE IT&E NMI U19 National Championships 2025, hosted by the Northern Marianas Badminton Association, concluded with a thrilling display of local talent, highlighted by Lina Tsukagoshi, who won three gold medals in three different divisions during a tournament held Wednesday and Thursday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
Rising 15-year-old star Tsukagoshi battled through a two-day competition to claim gold in women’s singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.
In the women’s singles, Tsukagoshi faced Amy Park in a five-player bracket. She dominated the first set with nine consecutive points, eventually winning 21-6. She followed up with a 21-8 victory in the second set to secure her first gold medal.
Tsukagoshi’s second gold came in the women’s doubles alongside partner Shaina Malonzo. The pair defeated Shemaria Hecaro and Yuxi Zhang with excellent teamwork and strategic court coverage, winning in two straight sets, 21-9, 21-4.
Her third and final gold came in mixed doubles with partner Nolan Nate. They bested Jude Mallari and Genelyn Lansangan 21-16, 21-19. Despite a strong comeback attempt by Mallari and Lansangan in the second set, untimely errors allowed Tsukagoshi and Nate to close out the match.
In Men’s Singles, Ean Kris outlasted Jude Mallari in a three-set battle to claim gold. Kris won a tight first set 21-19, Mallari took the second 21-16, and Kris turned the tide in the third with a four-point run to win 21-16.
Mallari redeemed himself in Men’s Doubles, pairing with Dave Odicta to capture gold over Evan Seguritan and Minul Hoque in straight sets, 21-13, 21-17.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
