By James Sablan
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Variety News Staff
THE NMI Junior National Tennis Team delivered a historic performance at the ITF North Pacific Regional Championships in Guam last week, turning the host courts into their own trophy room and ending Guam’s long-standing dominance in the U12 team events.
The most significant shift in the regional power balance came early in the tournament, as the NMI defeated Guam in both the Boys and Girls U12 Team competitions for the first time in years.
The U12 boys clinched their title in dramatic fashion when Isaiah Arriola-Mook pulled off a stunning upset over Guam’s top seed, a recent import from Japan, winning in a super tiebreak, 2-6, 7-6, 10-8. Arriola-Mook’s victory set the stage for him and Tim Watson to secure the championship in doubles, while Gabriel Walsh’s consistent play throughout the week played a key role in the team’s success.
On the girls’ side, Fiona Yu, Aileen Kim, and Harper Loken mirrored that success, capturing the U12 team title and solidifying the NMI’s status as the region’s new leaders in the youngest division last Friday.
The NMI’s momentum carried into Saturday, as the team advanced to all four major singles finals in the 14U and 16U divisions, facing Guam in every championship match.
Champions and finalists at the North Pacific Regional Championships included:
Girls 16 Singles
1st – Anne Lee
3rd – Vivian Chung
Boys 16 Singles
1st – Ryan Choi
Girls 14 Singles
2nd – Stella Choi
Boys 14 Singles
1st – Daniel Kang
Girls 12 Singles
1st – Fiona Yu
Boys 12 Singles
1st – Isaiah Arriola-Mook
Girls 16 Doubles
1st – Stella Choi / Anne Lee
Boys 16 Doubles
2nd – Ryan Choi / Prinze Skilling (FSM)
Girls 14 Doubles
1st – Scarlett Loken / Selina Chi
Boys 14 Doubles
1st – Daniel Kang / Matt Zhu
2nd – Cody Park / Seungwoo Lee
The team’s performance stunned the regional tennis community. Head coach Jeff Race credited the success to disciplined training and roster depth.
“The players this year have been very committed to their training,” Race said. “Sometimes you get a player whose talent and fighting spirit can lead a team, supported by a very solid cast.”
Race said he initially expected the team to finish first but acknowledged concerns after learning Guam had added a highly skilled player from Japan, Louis Ishida.
“I thought we’d just have to let it play out,” Race said. “I don’t think anyone in Guam expected the other players to be close to him. I’m pretty sure they’re still in a state of shock.”
For the players, the victories marked the culmination of months of preparation. U12 standout Arriola-Mook said the experience was unforgettable.
“I am very excited that I got to go to Guam, and it feels great to be champions,” he said. He also shared a Chamorro phrase he has been practicing: “Para i tautau’hu yan i tano’hu.”
Tim Watson said the tournament was both competitive and meaningful.
“I’ve had a lot of fun because we met lots of new people and made new friends,” Watson said. “Last year we lost to Guam, but this year we came back and beat them. We’re excited to go to Fiji.”
Fourteen players qualified for the Pacific Oceania Junior Championships:
Jeoungwoo Ryan Choi, Anne Lee, Vivian Chung, Daniel Kang, Matt Zhu, Jinho Cody Park, Stella Choi, Selina Chi, Isaiah Arriola-Mook, Timothy Watson, Gabriel Walsh, Fiona Yu, Aileen Kim, and Harper Loken.
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.
