Women’s singles finalists Asuka Takahashi and Riko Gunji pose for a photo during the awards ceremony of the Dove Saipan International 2024 at the Ada gym on Saturday.
Riko Gunji extends for the forehand return during a women’s singles final match against Asuka Takahashi in the Dove Saipan International 2024 at the Ada gym on Saturday.
JAPAN’S Riko Gunji and Malaysia’s Justin Hoh emerged victorious at the conclusion of the Dove Saipan International 2024 at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Saturday.
It was an exciting match in the women’s finals with Gunji outlasting her compatriot, Asuka Takahashi, in three sets, 21-14, 14-21, 21-16.
In the first set, both players went through several lead exchanges. Gunji played aggressively as each return was met with powerful and quick downward shots. For her part, Takahashi answered with lob shots, which set her up for quick returns to catch Gunji off guard.
However, Gunji’s powerful shots started to wear down Takahashi who was unable to keep up with the pace and allowed five consecutive points to slip by.
Down 9-14, Takahashi gradually worked her way up but failed to stop Gunji’s rise, who eventually notched the first set, 21-14.
In the second set, the tables were turned.
After another back-and-forth action in the early exchanges, Takahashi started to control the momentum as her quick reaction time outshined that of Gunji’s power behind the racket. Takahashi scored five unanswered points en route to second set victory, 21-14.
In the third and final set, the battle continued with neither player able to gain the upper hand.
But toward the last few possessions, Takahashi started to fall apart with unforced errors which allowed Gunji to finish strong, scoring five straight points to secure the win, 21-16, the match, and the women’s singles title.
In an interview, Gunji said the match was a bit too long but “I’m glad I was able to persevere until the end and win.”
It was her third time playing against Takahashi, but the first time they had gone to three sets. “I was able to play to the end without forgetting the feeling of being a challenger,” said Gunji, who had to pull out of the Crowne Plaza Northern Marianas Open 2024 due to an illness.
Men’s singles
The men’s singles title was claimed by Malaysia’s Justin Hoh after taking down Japan’s Ryoma Muramoto, 21-16, 21-18.
The first set was a seesaw battle.
Muramoto controlled the early exchanges with a four-point lead but the two players were in a deadlock midway through. Toward the end, Hoh found his second win and rocketed toward the top with a series of consecutive points to triumph, 21-16.
In the second set, Hoh broke through with strong smashes to grasp the upper hand, 18-13. Muramoto tried to stage a comeback by scoring four straight points, but Hoh managed to fend off his opponent to clinch the win, 21-18, and the men’s singles title.
