FINALS day of the Northern Marianas International 2025 did not disappoint. In an action-packed finale, players gave it their all — some soaring to victory, others falling just short. The energy inside the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium was electric as fans witnessed five thrilling finals, with Korea continuing its dominant run and Japan challenging for the top spots.
Mixed Doubles
Japan’s Akira Koga and Yuho Imai brought their world-class experience to the court, but it was Korea’s Kim Jae Hyeon and Kim Min Ji who entered the tournament through qualifying) who stole the show. In a gripping three-game battle, the Korean pair held their nerve to win 21-13, 16-21, 21-18.
Women’s Singles
Top seed Park Ga Eun showed resilience after dropping the first game to fellow Korean Kim Min Sun. With sharp focus and tactical precision, she turned the match around to win 19-21, 21-19, 21-9.
Men’s Singles
In an all-Korean clash, Yoo Tae Bin overcame Cho Geonyeop in a high-intensity match. After a strong start, Yoo regrouped in the third game to seal the title 21-11, 17-21, 21-13.
Women’s Doubles
The all-Korean final saw Jang Eun Seo and Kim Yu Jung deliver a commanding performance against Kim Min Ji and Ye Na Lee, winning 21-10, 21-13 in just 28 minutes.
Men’s Doubles
In the final match of the tournament, Korea’s Kim Jae Hyeon and Lee Sang Won executed a flawless strategy to defeat Japan’s Akira Koga and Naoya Kawashima. Their speed and precision earned them a 21-16, 21-16 victory.
Oceania wrap-up
While no Oceania athletes featured in the finals, the tournament was a major milestone for the region’s rising stars. Junior champions from Australia and New Zealand made it to the semi-finals, gaining invaluable experience and showcasing the growing strength of Oceania badminton on the international stage.
Tournament facts
• Players from 15 countries and jurisdictions across Asia, Oceania, and Pan-America competed.
• The Northern Marianas International 2025 is a Badminton World Federation International Series event, offering world ranking points and vital exposure for developing athletes.
• The Northern Mariana Islands is the only Oceania member in the North Pacific hosting three Grade Three international tournaments this year.
Park Ga Eun, left, poses as the women’s singles champion alongside Kim Min Sun as the runner up during the awards ceremony of the Northern Marianas International 2025 held at the Gilbert C. Ada gym on Saturday.
Northern Marianas Badminton Association photo
Kim Jae Hyeon and Lee Sang Won, left, pose as the men’s doubles champions alongside Akira Koga and Naoya Kawashima as the runners-up during the awards ceremony of the Northern Marianas International 2025 held at the Gilbert C. Ada gym on Saturday.
Northern Marianas Badminton Association photo
