Serin Chung wins women’s open tiara

Serin Chung in action in the mixed doubles 5.0 of the 2023 SIS Student Council Tennis Tournament last Sunday at the American Memorial Park. (MARK RABAGO)

After what seemed like eternity, Serin Chung finally beat Hye Jin Elliot and in the process topped the women’s division of the 2023 SIS Student Council Tennis Tournament last weekend at the American Memorial Park. 

In the compass draw format, Chung went 2-0 by beating Elliot (1-1) and Hoo Wang (0-2) to rule the women’s open.

Chung drew Elliot first and surprised the No. 1 seed, 7-5, 6-2. She then let her guard down a bit before finishing the job when she overcame Wang, 6-4, 1-6, 10-1. Elliot took the unfamiliar runner-up finish after defeating Wang, 6-2, 6-2.

David Kwon in action in the mixed doubles 5.0 of the 2023 SIS Student Council Tennis Tournament last Sunday at the American Memorial Park. (MARK RABAGO)

Chung, an 11th grade student at Saipan International School, said beating Elliot was a breakthrough moment for her.

“It felt great since I can’t even remember the last time I beat her. I tried to play confidently and tried to stay calm during the match.”

She did admit that she relaxed a bit in her match against Woo and it almost cost her.

“Yes Hoo’s match was longer but I also feel like since I have played more matches against Hye Jin, I feel really comfortable playing against her and I am able to play with more confidence,” she said.

The 16-year-old dedicated her victory in the women’s open to her parents, “since they always come to watch my matches when they can and they are always very supportive.”

In playing and coordinating the 2023 SIS Student Council Tennis Tournament at the same time, Chung admitted it was like a juggling act.

“It was very hard but in the end, it was definitely worth it.”

In junior play that only concluded last weekend due to rain the previous weekend, David Kwon won the boys 18 after handily beating Wataru Kadokura, 6-1, 6-1, in the championship.

In the boys 16, Nason Wessel took the cake following a 6-2, 6-4 triumph in the finals against June Yu.

Wessel also prevailed in the boys 14 after taking home the championship by beating Siwoo Lee, 6-3, 6-2.

In the boys 12, Ryan Choi took the crown with a 6-0, 6-1 victory over Jinho Park.

Yebin Shin ruled the girls 18 after disposing of Seiyul Homg in the finals, 6-4, 6-2.

Anne Lee topped the girls 14 after going 2-0 against Hoo Wang and Hanna Chae.

Chae returned the favor against Lee in the girls 12 as she beat her and Stella Choi to win the division.

In the girls 12, Vivian Chung got the better of Jenna Pascual, 6-3, 6-2.

The Northern Mariana Islands Tennis Association helped coordinate the 2023 SIS Student Council Tennis Tournament.