NMBA holds first tourney of season in new flooring

Northern Marianas Badminton Association kicked off its first tournament for 2012 in a new playing surface at the TSL Sports Complex.

Dubbed as the 2012 Tan Holdings Doubles Badminton Competition, the group’s initial offering for the season was played last Saturday at the complex’s badminton court, which featured the newly installed taraflex flooring.

Taraflex, according to one of the manufacturer’s website, “are synthetic floors designed for safety and comfort. Their multi-layered construction includes 100 percent pure vinyl, a reinforced fiberglass grid and closed-cell foam backing to provide shock absorption, help fight fatigue, deliver consistent ball bounce, and protect against skin burns.” They are used by various world-governing sports bodies, such as FIBA, FIVB, ITTF, ITF, European Handball Federation, and Badminton World Federation.

NMBA president Jerry Tan during his opening remarks for the Tan Holdings tournament asked for the players’ cooperation in the maintenance of the facility.

“You asked for a better if not best playing surface and we have it now. I hope that everybody will do their share in ensuring that these new flooring will be well taken care off,” Tan said.

Tournament director Macoi Aguda said NMBA members are excited about the new playing surface and said this will help further elevate their level of plays.

“The pros use this type of flooring and we’re fortunate that we will be able to play in the same surface. Injuries will be lessened and players can now go all out without worrying of getting injured,” Aguda said. “It will definitely help players improve their games.”

Aguda was also the master of ceremony during the opening rites attended by Tan Holdings corporate consultant Dave Sablan and Tan Siu Lin Foundation manager Ed Arriola. Aguda led the introduction of players from Saipan Badminton Club, Shirley’s Badminton Club, TAGA Badminton Club, Berks Blazers, Golden Racquet, and newcomer AON Badminton Club.

After the parade of teams, Arriola and Sablan presented to the representatives of each club the $1,200 donation for the doubles tournament. Aguda said the donation will be used for medals that will be given away to the Top 3 finishers in the men’s and women’s doubles Level A, B, and C.

Games in the Tan Holdings tournament will be played on weekends until March 18 with the Top 4 teams after the single round-robin elimination advancing to the playoffs. Results of Week 1 of the competition will be released later this week.