FANS and players packed the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Saturday for the final day of the Century Insurance Saipan International 2025, as Japan, India, and Korea set the tone with winning performances in all five championship events.
Japan continued its dominance, competing in every event and claiming three titles. The action began with the Men’s Doubles, where the experienced Japanese duo of Naoya Kawashima and Akira Koga used precision and strategy to edge out compatriots Haruki Kawabe and Kenta Matsukawa, 15-13, 15-12. Kawashima and Koga’s controlled play and powerful smashes proved too much for their opponents, earning them the men’s doubles title.
The Women’s Doubles was also highlighted by Japanese teams. In a closely contested final, Hinata Suzuki and Nao Yamakita avenged their previous runner-up finish by outlasting Nanako Hara and Riko Kiyose in three games, 15-13, 8-15, 15-11. Suzuki and Yamakita showed great resilience despite a comeback attempt by their teammates, securing the women’s doubles championship.
Japan claimed its third title in the Men’s Singles event. Riki Takei ended the two-week winning streak of fellow countryman Yudai Okimoto, the recent singles champion of the Northern Marianas Open 2025. Takei held the edge throughout both games, winning 16-14, 15-4, and demonstrating exceptional skill and determination.
Korea also made a strong showing in doubles. An Yun Seong and Lee Yu Lim defeated Japan’s Kenta Matsukawa and Riko Kiyose, 18-16, 15-12. The Korean duo displayed incredible teamwork and composure to overcome their opponents, delivering nonstop action that thrilled the crowd.
In the Women’s Singles, India’s Tanya Hemanth added a title to her delegation’s collection, defeating Japan’s Kanae Sakai in two straight games, 15-10, 15-8. Hemanth’s dominant performance showcased her skill and strategy, earning her the championship.
Overall, the final day of the tournament highlighted the depth and talent of the region’s badminton teams, with Japan, Korea, and India leaving the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium as standout performers.
Korea’s An Yun Seong and Lee Yu Lim, along with Japan’s Kenta Matsukawa and Riko Kiyose, pose as the champions and runners up in the Mixed Doubles event of the Century Insurance Saipan International 2025 at the Ada gym on Saturday.
NMBA photo
India’s Tanya Hemanth and Japan’s Kanae Sakai pose as the first and second-place finishers in the Women’s Singles event of the Century Insurance Saipan International 2025 at the Ada gym on Saturday.
NMBA photo
Japan’s Hinata Suzuki and Nao Yamakita reach out for a return during the finals match in the Women’s Doubles event of the Century Insurance Saipan International 2025 at the Ada gym on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Japan’s Naoya Kawashima reaches out to keep the possession alive alongside teammate Akira Koga during the Men’s Doubles championship match of the Century Insurance Saipan International 2025 at the Ada gym on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
