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Tsukagoshi wins 5 divisions in badminton tourney
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Posted on Apr 06 2023
Lina Tsukagoshi, left, won five championships and is seen with doubles partner Shaina Malonzo in the 50th Tan Holdings Badminton Tournament held last Thursday to Sunday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Out of over 140 participants from the CNMI and Guam in the 50th Tan Holdings Badminton Tournament, Lina Tsukagoshi scooped five divisions through the four day event at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
The 12-year-old set her eyes at the U15 division and won the girl’s singles in two sets against Shaina Malonzo, 21-9, 21-11. Third place went to Shemariah Hicaro.
Tsukagoshi went on to compete in the U15 girls doubles with Guam’s Danielle Snaer and defeated Fredericka Herman and Offeia Yordy, 21-19, 21-19. Charmaine Bautista won third place.
She then dominated the U19 women’s singles against Teresa Ahn, 21-13, 21-6, with third place going to Shaina Malonzo.
In the U19 women’s doubles, the dynamic duo of Tsukagoshi and Snaer dominated and beat Terresa Ahn and Shemariah Hicaro in an exciting and nail-biting two sets, 21-18, 21-20. Abigael Robles and Prapti Mondal claimed third place.
Finally, in the open division, Tsukagoshi linked up with CNMI National Badminton Team player Janelle Pangilinan to defeat Jennilyn Cardinio and Terresa Ahn, 21-15, 21-13. Third place went to Windy Fernandez and Malou Malasarte.
Tsukagoshi also joined the U15 mixed doubles event with Frank Li but fell to second place against Danielle Snaer and Johnson Xia, 14-21, 20-21. Third place went to Charmaine Bautista and Evan Seguritan.
When asked how it felt to win five championships during the tourney, the middle school student-athlete from Saipan International School said, “Going through all the games I played, I felt really confident and excited. This is the first local tournament I played and I feel like I did really [well]. I had some matches I thought [were] pretty difficult but I managed to successfully win. I would like to thank my best friends, Charmaine, Shaina, and a girl that came from Guam, Danielle. They were really supportive and that just helped me in my games.”
She added, “I also want to thank my coaches, coach Janelle, coach Nate, coach Zeke, and coach Leonard. They all helped me during my matches and helped me get through it. I’m very thankful for them and this opportunity.
