White hopes to send large delegation for 2011 Games

Unlike the 2007 Pacific Games in Samoa, the Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association hopes to send a large contingent to the 2011 edition of the quadrennial event in New Caledonia.

NMASA president Michael A. White in a email to the Saipan Tribune noted that the CNMI stands a good chance to better the five-team delegation it sent to Apia last year in the Noumea Games three years from now.

“Cost is always a factor. However, travel and per diem costs for the Noumea Games will be significantly less than they were for Samoa in 2007 or the Cook Islands next year, so I am hopeful that we will be able to send a large delegation to represent the CNMI,” he said.

In the 2007 Pacific Games in Apia, the CNMI sent five athletes-Tyrone Omar of athletics and beach volleyball players Mark McDonald, Tyce Mister, Nina Mosley, and Melissa Hallaby.

During the last Nov. 19 briefing made by NC2011 president Pascale Bastien-Thiry, NC2011 protocol director Helen Court Wabete, and Pacific Games Council secretary general David Boyd, White also said that the New Caledonia organizing committee may also help the CNMI out by enlisting its flag carrier, Air Caledonie, to arrange charter flights to the region.

The Commonwealth sports body's head also extended his thanks to Bastien-Thiry, Wabete, and Boyd for flying all to way to the North Pacific to discuss their plans for the 2011 Pacific Games not only with NMASA but also to the sports governing bodies of Guam and Palau as well.

“I was very pleased that officials of NC2011 took the time and expense of traveling all the way to the CNMI to brief us on preparations for the 2011 Pacific Games. New Caledonia has shown that it has the capability and will to put on a truly outstanding event,” he said.

NC2011 will organize 12 compulsory sports in the 2011 Games, namely athletics, weightlifting, swimming, basketball, table tennis, soccer, tennis, rugby, golf, vaa, volleyball, and badminton.

In addition, NC2011 will also host 18 optional sports that would be determined by the number of entries.

NC2011 expects all 22 countries of the Pacific Games Council to take part in the Games. It also looks forward to hosting 3,500 athletes-5,000 including officials-in three years time.

The organizing committee is also prepared to spend about $16 million for the hosting of the Games. That price tag does not include the construction of 38 venues and sporting facilities for the 15 days of competition.
(Saipan Tribune)

White hopes to send large delegation for 2011 Games

Unlike the 2007 Pacific Games in Samoa, the Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association hopes to send a large contingent to the 2011 edition of the quadrennial event in New Caledonia.

NMASA president Michael A. White in a email to the Saipan Tribune noted that the CNMI stands a good chance to better the five-team delegation it sent to Apia last year in the Noumea Games three years from now.

“Cost is always a factor. However, travel and per diem costs for the Noumea Games will be significantly less than they were for Samoa in 2007 or the Cook Islands next year, so I am hopeful that we will be able to send a large delegation to represent the CNMI,” he said.

In the 2007 Pacific Games in Apia, the CNMI sent five athletes-Tyrone Omar of athletics and beach volleyball players Mark McDonald, Tyce Mister, Nina Mosley, and Melissa Hallaby.

During the last Nov. 19 briefing made by NC2011 president Pascale Bastien-Thiry, NC2011 protocol director Helen Court Wabete, and Pacific Games Council secretary general David Boyd, White also said that the New Caledonia organizing committee may also help the CNMI out by enlisting its flag carrier, Air Caledonie, to arrange charter flights to the region.

The Commonwealth sports body's head also extended his thanks to Bastien-Thiry, Wabete, and Boyd for flying all to way to the North Pacific to discuss their plans for the 2011 Pacific Games not only with NMASA but also to the sports governing bodies of Guam and Palau as well.

“I was very pleased that officials of NC2011 took the time and expense of traveling all the way to the CNMI to brief us on preparations for the 2011 Pacific Games. New Caledonia has shown that it has the capability and will to put on a truly outstanding event,” he said.

NC2011 will organize 12 compulsory sports in the 2011 Games, namely athletics, weightlifting, swimming, basketball, table tennis, soccer, tennis, rugby, golf, vaa, volleyball, and badminton.

In addition, NC2011 will also host 18 optional sports that would be determined by the number of entries.

NC2011 expects all 22 countries of the Pacific Games Council to take part in the Games. It also looks forward to hosting 3,500 athletes-5,000 including officials-in three years time.

The organizing committee is also prepared to spend about $16 million for the hosting of the Games. That price tag does not include the construction of 38 venues and sporting facilities for the 15 days of competition.
(Saipan Tribune)

6 pairs unbeaten in IT&E badminton tilt

By Roselyn Monroyo
Saipan Tribune Reporter

Macoi Aguda, right, serves while teammate Saul Gargallo looks on during their game against Jerry Hibi and Eric Pena in the men's A division of the 2009 IT&E Badminton Doubles Tournament Sunday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo) The pair of Macoi Aguda and Saul Gargallo is among the six undefeated teams in the men's A division after two days of action in the 2009 IT&E Badminton Doubles Tournament held over the weekend at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Aguda and Gargalo won their first two matches to take the lead in the men's A division. They debuted with a 21-7, 21-18 victory over Edwin Montoya and Gary Bandoja Saturday and improved to a 2-0 record after a 21-14, 19-21, 21-12 triumph over Jerry Hibi and Eric Pena Sunday.

In second place with a 2-1 record is the duo of Hapi Gabriel and Robert Reyes, who lost their opening game to Hibi and Pena, 19-21, 24-22, 19-21. On Day 2, Gabriel and Reyes swept their games, beating the tandem of Montoya and Bandoja, 21-14, 21-17, and the pair of Lito Mendoza and Joseph Santos, 21-17, 21-19.

Mendoza and Santos hold a 1-1 record after downing Montoya and Bandoja on Day 1 of the weekend tournament, 21-19, 21-18. The duo of Bandoja and Montoya is winless in three games.

In the men's B division, two pairs are undefeated with Mario Diola and Paul Navarro winning two games on Day 1 and Roger Vales and Efren Cacdac also notching a 2-0 slate.

Diola and Navarro prevailed over Alfred Acosta and Edwin Maratas, 21-11, 21-13, 21-18, and Daniel Macario and Jorge Olanda, 19-21, 21-16, 21-19. The tandem of Vales and Cacdac won over Emil De Belen and Rommel Villavisa, 21-19, 22-20, on Day 1, and against Andrew Galvez and Victor Reyes, 21-19, 12-31, 21-14, on Day 2.

In the women's B vision, the pair of Marylyn Montano and Cheng Saturno is unbeaten in two games after trouncing Ingrid Sanchez/Cristy Villaflor, 21-16, 21-15, and Lea Estinopo and Rose Lazaro, 21-10, 21-13.

Sanchez and Villaflor are in second place with a 2-1 slate after winning their first game over Estinopo and Lazaro, 21-12, 21-5, and third match against Shirley Kim and Angelie Ito, 21-14, 21-16.

Rodwealth Espana and James Digno are leading in the men's C division with a perfect 2-0 record following their victories over Puy Macario and Chris Hilario, 21-17, 21-17, and Ezekiel Macario and Roding Domingo, 21-17, 21-10. Puy and Hilario recovered from their opening game loss after winning two games Sunday against Frank Villagomez and Ric Brien, 21-18, 7-21, 21-15, and Ezekiel and Domingo, 21-11, 21-11.

Leading in the women's C division is the pair of Elna Curate and Merlie Tolentino, who whipped Malou Guzman and Malou Mendoza Saturday, 14-21, 21-16, 21-12, and Dorie Pena and Hazel Dela Santa Sunday, 21-17, 21-15.

In the other game in the women's C division, Annette Quiambao and Irene Santiago defeated Mendoza and Guzman, 21-17, 22-20.

Action in the IT&E tournament will continue this weekend. The men's A and men's and women's C divisions will have a double round-robin format, while the men's and women's B will be a single round robin affair. The Top 4 teams in each division will move to the crossover semifinals.

Northern Marianas host doubles tournament

Dubbed as the 2009 IT&E Badminton Doubles Tournament, the event will feature competitions in five divisions, namely the men's A, men's and women's B, and men's and women's C.

Slots on the tournament are limited so NMBF is encouraging interested participants to register before the event kicks off on March 28.

The men' A division is open only to five pairs, while the B division will have only eight teams each for the men's and women's. The women's C category will accept only four squads apiece for the women's and men's.

The men's A and men's and women's C divisions will have a double round-robin format, while the men's and women's B will be a single round robin affair. The Top 4 teams in each division will advance to the crossover semifinals with the No. 1 squad facing the No. 4 team for the first finals ticket. The No. 2 and 3 squads will duel for the other finals seat.

NMBF through president Shirley Kim expressed its appreciation for IT&E's support to the tournament.

“We are thankful to our avid sponsors, especially IT&E, for their generosity in helping us run this event. “We are looking forward to another successful and fun tournament through the cooperation of NMBF members and supporters,” Kim said.

Kim, along with NMBF vice president Edwin Montoya, treasurer Malou Mendoza, and board member Lito Mendoza, received a $800 check from IT&E yesterday in a brief donation ceremony at the telecommunication company's office in Susupe.

The donation, according to Rose Soledad, IT&E's regional controller for finance and accounting, shows the company's commitment in supporting various activities in the CNMI.

“Despite the crisis we are experiencing right now, IT&E is committed to help various organizations in the CNMI, such as the NMBF. We are committed in promoting sports, physical fitness, and camaraderie among members of the sports community,” Soledad said.

The doubles tournament will run until April 19 with games to be played every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only. Matches every Friday and Saturday will run from 6pm to 10pm, while Sunday's games will start from 2pm until 8pm.

Tournament director Macoi Aguda said this is the first time that NMBF is holding an exclusive doubles tournament.

“Our tournaments in the past were team events with players teaming up with different partners. Now, players will have only one partner and they will have more focus and time to prepare for their matches, and this will make the competition pretty exciting,” Aguda said.

Beach Badminton Introduced!

(From OBC)
Corinne Barnard
Secretary General
Badminton Oceania)

BEACH BADMINTON LAUNCHED AT BADMINTON OCEANIA AGM

Badminton Oceania launched a new initiative at the Badminton Oceania Annual General Meeting on the weekend in Auckland, New Zealand. Beach Badminton.

The Oceania region is known for its lack of indoor facilities especially in the Pacific Islands. An initiative of the Oceania region to take Badminton outdoors and play Badminton on the Beach or in the Backyard was launched on Saturday evening.

Opening the ‘Beach Badminton’ launch held at Mission Bay, Auckland were, Robin Bryant, Vice President of Badminton World Federation and Nigel Skelt, Oceania President. Both men were keen to have a go and join the coaches from Tuvalu, Fiji, Vanuatu for a game of Beach Badminton. Other attendees were Oceania Executive members, Warren Yee (Fiji), Pule Risale (Samoa), Geraldine Brown (Australia) and General Manager from Badminton NZ, Mike Kernaghan.

The same size court as the indoor game, Beach Badminton is played with the same height net but with only one court boundary marker.

Tony Mordaunt, Regional Development Manager for Badminton Oceania will be developing the game into the pacific islands and is ideal for countries like fiji, samoa, tahiti, tuvalu and vanuatu. The only shortfall is the development of the shuttlecock especially on windy days. Badminton Oceania has asked the BWF to investigate a heavier shuttle that could be used for outdoor badminton. We will eagerly await the outcome.

Shirley's Coffee Shop Saipan Now Blogs....

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Members, Shirley's Coffee Shop Saipan now joins the intricate yet rewarding world of the the blogosphere! Do check the store's wonderful site and luscious and enticing food menu.

Congratulations Shirley's!!!!

(Photo taken from shirleyscoffeeshop.blogspot.com)

NMBF elects officers for 2009

The Northern Marianas Badminton Federation has a new president in Shirley Kim, who was elected to the group's highest post Friday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Kim got the most votes from about 40 NMBF members who participated in the 2009 election last week and will be replacing outgoing president Marconi Calindas.

Others elected were Edwin Montoya, vice president; Reynaldo Gabriel, secretary; Malou Mendoza, treasurer; Cristy Villaflor, auditor; and Marco Antonio Aguda and Jojo Savellano, public relations officers.

Kim thanked NMBF members for having confidence in her ability to lead the group and vow to continue what the organization's past leaders have started to promote badminton in the Commonwealth.

“It’s a great feeling. I am deeply honored and grateful that they showed full confidence in me. I felt that there’s no turning back to lead the group this year," Kim said.

“I will continue the past leaders' goal of strengthening the youth membership in the CNMI,” she said.

Kim added she will also continue to implement the “committee system,” in the organization to ensure that future tournaments and other projects are properly coordinated and attended.

"It has been proven very effective and we will maintain that setup for the year," Kim said. "I am also looking forward to more tournaments and training for members, students, and community groups," she said.

Out to help Kim manage the organization are 2009 Board of Directors members Lito Mendoza, Elma Labuson, Roger Vales, Gigi Zapanta, Jerry Tan, and Susan and Puy Macario. Mendoza will chair the NMBF Board for the second straight year.

With Kim at the helm of NMBF affairs this year, her first project will be an annual leadership training and planning workshop to be held before the end of the month. The group is also expected to hold board and management meetings this month.

Meanwhile, NMBF thanked the Division of Sports and Recreation for allowing them to use the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium to conduct regular games every Tuesday and Thursday morning and Friday and Saturday evening.
(Saipan Tribune)

NMBF fetes Traders tourney winners

The Top 3 placers in the 2nd Traders Insurance Badminton Team Tournament received their trophies during the Northern Marianas Badminton Federation Christmas Party at Club V Thursday night.

The Green All-Stars were awarded with the championship trophy and each members of the team also went home with a miniature trophy.

The Green All-Stars were captained by Edwin Montoya. Their members include Lupe Sabino, Roding Domingo, Lea Estinopo, Gerry Balarao, Jojo Savellano, and Debra Fisher.

The team also received a cash prize of $300 from Traders Insurance president Lito Mendoza, who also presented the trophies to the winners.

The Green All-Stars finished the round-robin tournament with a 30-12 record, besting seven other teams in the annual event.

The runner-up trophy and a $200 cash went to the Smash Killers, who finished the tournament with a 28-14 slate. Macoi Aguda was the team's captain. The Smash Killers were composed of Elna Curate, Andrew Galvez, Marlene Pereja, Lucelle Lampera, Robert Reyes, Paul Navarro, and Ariel Mariano.

Taking home the third place plum and $100 cash were the Gray Hawks of team captain Lito Mendoza. The team had Annette Ta, Marvin Pullan, Loida Ito, Janis Parcon, Saul Gargallo, Obet Aguilar, and Lani Bartolome as members.

Members of the five other teams-Bad Masters, Blue Powers, Net Fighters, Dragon Shuttlers, and D'Bombers-each received a certificate of participation.

Jerry Tan handed out the certificates to members of the five teams and also delivered a brief speech after he was awarded a plaque of appreciation for supporting the tournament.

Mendoza was also given a plaque of appreciation after his company-Traders Insurance-supported the past two stagings of the team tournament.

NMBF also gave certificates of participation to players who competed in the junior division of the event, while the top two teams received trophies.

Brothers Manatsu and Kanata Omori took the championship trophy, while Ezekiel Macario and Jenine Savellano went home with the runner-up plum.
(Saipan Tribune)

Omori siblings triumph in youth badminton tourney

Brothers Manatsu and Kanata Omori were crowned champions in the junior division of the 2nd Traders Insurance Badminton Team Tournament Saturday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The Omori siblings bested three other pairs in the side event of the annual tournament organized by the Northern Marianas Badminton Federation.

The Omoris played for the Orange Team and after a round-robin tournament tied Green's Ezekiel Macario and Jenine Savellano, and Gray's John-John and Jylan Capuyon.

The three teams finished the round-robin with identical 2-2 records. Rodwealth Espana and Kenneth Domingo of the Red Ream were the other participants in the juniors division.

Gray, Orange, and Green all advanced to the playoffs with Green drawing a bye in the first round. Orange and Gray collided for the first match in the playoffs with the former winning to move to the title game.

The Capuyon brothers then dueled Orange's Macario and Savellano in the battle for the last finals slot with the latter pair prevailing to set a championship showdown with the Omor brothers.

The Omori siblings took a short route to the championship beating Macario and Savellano in straight sets, 21-15, 21-19.

Tournament director Macoi Aguda said they decided to have a junior division for this year's Traders event to encourage youth involvement in badminton.

The tournament for adults concluded Sunday with the Green All-Stars beating seven other squads for the championship.

The Smash Killers finished second, while the Gray Hawks ended in third place. Other teams that competed in the Traders tournament were the Bad Masters, the Blue Powers, the Net Fighters, the Red Dragon Shuttlers, and D' Bombers.

The Top 3 placers will be receiving trophies in the NMBF Christmas Party later this month.

The Traders Insurance tournament was supported by Shirley's Coffee Shop, Pacific Quick Print, Coral Ocean Point, PTI, Sun Palace Hotel, Wear-A-Marconi, Tropex, Dollar Days, and Labtech International.
(Saipan Tribune)

All-Stars shine in Traders Tourney

Green All-Stars topped the 2nd Traders Insurance Badminton Team Tournament after a dominating performance in the last day of competition Sunday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

After nearly sweeping Dragon Shuttlers, 5-1, in the penultimate day of the round-robin tournament Friday, the All-Stars still had enough juice to squeeze out a 5-1 triumph over D'Bombers to finish the annual event with a 30-12 record.

The All-Stars were two wins ahead of eventual second placer Smash Killers (28-13).

Smash Killers and All-Stars entered the final day of competition with the latter ahead by only a win. But Smash Killers failed to grab the lead and the championship when they won only four games against Gray Hawks, 4-2. Gray Hawks settled for third place with a 23-18 slate.

The Top 3 teams will receive trophies at the Northern Marianas Badminton Federation's Christmas party later this month.

Green All-Stars secured the championship after sweeping their first five matches.

Christy Villaflor teamed up with Ruby Gozon in the women's doubles BC and the duo downed Emily Vargas and Merlie Tolentino, 21-17, 19-21, 21-9.

Gerry Balarao and Jojo Savellano swept Aries Montano and Arnel Bansagale in the men's doubles BB, 21-5, 21-14, to make it 2-0 for the All-Stars.

Debra Fischer gave the All-Stars their third win after thumping Marilyn Montano in the women's singles B, 21-13, 22-20.

In the mixed doubles AB, team captain Edwin Montoya joined forces with Leo Estinopo to beat Eric Pena and Montano, 21-11, 22-20.

Montoya also played in the men's doubles AB and teamed up with Balarao in defeating Pena and Montano, 21-18, 21-16.

Vargas and Pena foiled the All-Stars' bid for a sweep when they outclassed Fischer and Roding Domingo, 21-17, 21-16, 22-20.

Smash Killers remained in second place after winning in the women's singles B, mixed doubles AB and BC, and men's doubles AB.

In other results on the final day, Bad Masters prevailed over the Red Dragon Shuttlers, 4-2.

The Bad Masters finished fourth overall with their 21-21 record, while Shuttlers placed sixth tying the Net Fighters with identical 18-24 slates.

Blue Powers claimed the No. 5 spot with their 20-22 record after outlasting Net Fighters, 4-2, on the last day of the tournament.

D'Bombers finished last with their 10-32 mark.
(saipan tribune)

All-Stars tie Smash Killers for lead

The Green All-Stars notched a big win in the penultimate round of the 2nd Traders Insurance Badminton Team Tournament to gain a share of the lead in the eight-team field.

The All-Stars nearly swept the Red Dragon Shuttlers, 4-1, on Day 6 of the tournament Friday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

With the win, the All-Stars improved to a 24-11 record tying the Smash Killers for the No. 1 spot.

The Smash Killers also won on Day 6, but got only three points against the Net Fighters making the battle for the championship an exciting race between the former and the All-Stars.

Delivering the needed victories for the All-Stars were the pairs of Edwin Montoya and Gerry Balarao, Christy Villaflor/Ruby Gozon, Villaflor/Lea Estinopo, and Balarao/Jojo Savellano.

Hapi Gabriel and Gigi Zapanta gave the Shuttlers their lone win in the match topping Montoya and Estinopo in straight sets in the mixed doubles AB, 21-15, 21-15.

Montoya later teamed up with Balarao in the men's doubles AB and downed Gabriel and Noli Santos, 21-9, 21-11.

Villaflor joined forces with Gozon in the women's doubles BC to thwart Merlie Savellano, 21-10, 21-18. In the women's doubles BB, Villaflor and Estinopa defeated Malou Mendoza and Zapanta, 21-13, 21-16.

Balarao and Jojo Savellano gave the All-Stars their fourth win after outlasting Santos and Jun Pineda, 21-18, 21-14.

In other results, the Bad Masters outclassed the Blue Powers, 3-2, to share the No. 3 spot with the Red Dragon Shuttlers.

The Gray Hawks prevailed over D'Bombers, 4-1, to improve to a 20-15 record and claim solo second place.

The Blue Powers and the Net Fighters are tied with identical 15-20 slates, while D'Bombers are at the bottom of the team standings with a 9-26 mark.

Smash Killers sweep D' Bombers

Smash Killers posted the first sweep in the 2nd Traders Insurance Badminton Team Tournament after shutting out D'Bombers, 6-0, Sunday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Games scheduled on Day 5 of the tournament were all doubles matches with Smash Killers winning in the men's doubles AB and BB, women's doubles BB, and the mixed doubles CC, AB, and BC.

Elna Curate and Andrew Galvez nailed the most impressive victory in Smash Killers' sweep of D'Bombers, as the duo defeated Puy Macario and Merlie Tolentino in straight sets, 21-8, 21-13, in the mixed doubles CC.

Robert Reyes and Paul Navarro also prevailed in straight sets in the men's doubles BB against the tandem of Aries Montano and Arnel Bansagale, 21-14, 21-19.

The four remaining doubles matches went the distance with the duos of Macoi Aguda-Lucelle Lampera, Marlene Peraja-Galvez, Peraja-Lampera, and Aguda-Ariel Mariano surviving their foes.

With the win, Smash Killers are now at the solo No. 1 spot with their 21-9 record.

Green All-Stars nearly swept Bad Masters, 5-1, to place second in the team standings with the former's 20-10 slate.

Bad Masters (13-17) are in a three-way deadlock for fifth place tying Net Fighters and Blue Powers.

Gray Hawks are in solo third spot with their 16-14 record after a 3-3 draw with Net Fighters on Day 5.

Dragon Shuttlers are in fourth place despite a 2-4 loss to Blue Powers.

The second edition of the Traders badminton team tournament will conclude this weekend with the eight participating teams having three games left each.

The Top 3 teams after the single-round robin tournament will receive trophies.

The Traders Insurance tournament is also supported by Shirley's Coffee Shop, Pacific Quick Print, Coral Ocean Point, PTI, Sun Palace Hotel, Wear-A-Marconi, Tropex, Dollar Days, and Labtech International.
(Saipan Tribune)

Blue Powers defuse D' Bombers

After bowing to their foes in the first three days of the 2nd Traders Insurance Badminton Team Tournament, Blue Powers finally showed their might overpowering D'Bombers, 4-2, Saturday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The win improved Blue Powers' record to 10-4 moving them out of the bottom of team standings. D'Bombers are now the tournament's cellar dwellers with their 8-16 record.

Blue Powers prevailed in the men's singles B, men's doubles B, mixed doubles CC, and women's doubles BB to end their slump.

Mario Diola topped Arnel Bansagale in the men's singles B, 21-11, 21-11. Diola then joined forces with Roger Vales to thwart Eric Pena and Puy Macario in the men's doubles BB, 21-19, 21-10.

Alfred Acosta and Riza Cano also nailed a straight set win over Macario and Merlie Tolentino, 21-18, 24-22, in the mixed doubles CC. Ingrid Sanchez and Elma Labuson gave Blue Powers their fourth win after the duo downed Marilyn Montano and Emily Vargas, 21-8, 21-13.

Recording wins for D'Bombers were the tandems of Pena and Vargas and Montano and Tolentino.

In other results, Smash Killers and Green All-Stars posted similar wins to remain on top of the field.

Smash Killers defeated the Bad Masters, 4-2, to improve to a 15-9 record.

Smash Killers prevailed in the men's doubles BB, mixed doubles AB and CC, and women's doubles BB.

Sharing the No. 1 spot with Smash Killers are Green All-Stars, which beat the Gray Hawks, 4-2.

The All-Stars won in the men's singles B, men's doubles BB, mixed doubles BC, and women's doubles BB.

Gray Hawks, which joined Smash Killers and Green All-Stars in the No. 1 spot on Day 3, dropped to second place tying Red Dragons Shuttlers.

Shuttlers improved to a 13-11 slate after outclassing Net Fighters, 4-2.

Shuttlers prevailed in the men's singles B, men's doubles BB, and mixed doubles BC and AB.
(Saipan Tribune)

Net Fighters, Smash Killers crush opponents

The Net Fighters went 4-for-5 in their doubles matches to pull off a 4-2 upset over Day 2 leader Green All-Stars at the resumption of action in the 2nd Traders Insurance Badminton Team Tournament Friday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The Net Fighters dropped their first two games, but came out fighting on Day 3 to move out of the bottom of the team standings.

An 8-10 record after Day 3 put the Net Fighters in fourth place, while the All-Stars are still on top, but share the lead with two other teams.

The tandem of Keno San Pablo and Pauline Cielo gave the Net Fighters their first win on Day 3, topping the pair of Roding Domingo and Lupe Sabino in the mixed doubles CC, 21-11, 19-21, 21-8.

Team captain Ed Sikayun and Alvin Alvarez made it 2-0 for the Net Fighters when they downed Jojo Savellano and Edwin Montoya in the men's doubles BB, 11-21, 21-18, 21-9.

Sikayun then teamed up with Angeline Ito to thwart Montoya and Lea Estinopo in the mixed doubles AB, 15-21, 21-11, 21-14.

The Net Fighters' fourth win came from the duo of Cheng Saturno and Ric Blue, who defeated Christy Villaflor and Domingo in the mixed doubles BC in straight sets, 21-13, 21-15.

The Green All-Stars won in the mixed doubles BB with the tandem of Gerry Balarao and Estinopo prevailing over Alvarez and Shirley Kim, 21-12, 21-15. Balarao won the lone men's singles match of the day beating Alvarez, 21-17, 21-11.

In other results, the Smash Killers recovered from a loss in Day 2, while the Gray Hawks forced a draw to tie the All-Stars in the No. 2 spot. The three teams have similar 11-7 records.

The Smash Killers, who bowed to the All-Stars on Day 2, whipped the Blue Powers, 5-1.

The Smash Killers won the lone singles match and four doubles games against the Blue Powers.

Juneh Padua and Alfred Acosta foiled the Smash Killers' bid for a sweep when the pair outclassed Lucelle Lampera and Andrew Galvez in the mixed doubles BC, 22-20, 18-21, 24-22.

But the lone win was not enough to save the Blue Powers from dropping to a 5-13 record for the last place in the team standings.

The Gray Hawks and the Red Dragon Shuttlers split their games with the former prevailing in the women's doubles CC, mixed doubles BC, and men's singles B. The Shuttlers won in the mixed doubles BB, men's doubles AB, and mixed doubles AB.

In the other pairing on Day 3, the Bad Master improved their record to 10-8 and gained the No. 2 spot after defusing D'Bombers, 4-2.

The Bad Masters won in the mixed doubles BB and AB, men's doubles AB, and the men's doubles B.

D'Bombers dropped to a 7-11 record and are second to the last place.
(Saipn Tribune)

White hopes to send large delegation for 2011 Games

Unlike the 2007 Pacific Games in Samoa, the Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association hopes to send a large contingent to the 2011 edition of the quadrennial event in New Caledonia.

NMASA president Michael A. White in a email to the Saipan Tribune noted that the CNMI stands a good chance to better the five-team delegation it sent to Apia last year in the Noumea Games three years from now.

“Cost is always a factor. However, travel and per diem costs for the Noumea Games will be significantly less than they were for Samoa in 2007 or the Cook Islands next year, so I am hopeful that we will be able to send a large delegation to represent the CNMI,” he said.

In the 2007 Pacific Games in Apia, the CNMI sent five athletes-Tyrone Omar of athletics and beach volleyball players Mark McDonald, Tyce Mister, Nina Mosley, and Melissa Hallaby.

During the last Nov. 19 briefing made by NC2011 president Pascale Bastien-Thiry, NC2011 protocol director Helen Court Wabete, and Pacific Games Council secretary general David Boyd, White also said that the New Caledonia organizing committee may also help the CNMI out by enlisting its flag carrier, Air Caledonie, to arrange charter flights to the region.

The Commonwealth sports body's head also extended his thanks to Bastien-Thiry, Wabete, and Boyd for flying all to way to the North Pacific to discuss their plans for the 2011 Pacific Games not only with NMASA but also to the sports governing bodies of Guam and Palau as well.

“I was very pleased that officials of NC2011 took the time and expense of traveling all the way to the CNMI to brief us on preparations for the 2011 Pacific Games. New Caledonia has shown that it has the capability and will to put on a truly outstanding event,” he said.

NC2011 will organize 12 compulsory sports in the 2011 Games, namely athletics, weightlifting, swimming, basketball, table tennis, soccer, tennis, rugby, golf, vaa, volleyball, and badminton.

In addition, NC2011 will also host 18 optional sports that would be determined by the number of entries.

NC2011 expects all 22 countries of the Pacific Games Council to take part in the Games. It also looks forward to hosting 3,500 athletes-5,000 including officials-in three years time.

The organizing committee is also prepared to spend about $16 million for the hosting of the Games. That price tag does not include the construction of 38 venues and sporting facilities for the 15 days of competition.
(Saipan Tribune)

All-Stars take badminton tourney lead

The Green All-Stars gained their second straight win to claim the solo lead in the 2nd Traders Insurance Badminton Team Tournament Sunday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The All-Stars, who won their debut against the Blue Powers by only two points, 4-2, played better on Day 2 crushing the Smash Killers, 5-1.

After two days of competition, the All-Stars now have a 9-3 record while the Smash Killers dropped to a three-way tie for third.

The Smash Killers had a rousing start, whipping the Red Dragon Shuttlers, but on Day 2, only team captain Macoi Aguda won, topping Edwin Montoya in the men's A singles, 21-14, 21-16.

The Green All-Stars drew victories from the pairs of Jojo Savellano-Gerry Balarao, Roding Domingo-Debra Fisher, Savellano-Lupe Sabino, and Balarao-Lea Estinopo.

The tandem of Savellano-Balaro topped Robert Reyes-Paul Navarro in the men's doubles BB, 20-22, 22-20, 22-20.

In the mixed doubles CB, Domingo and Fisher defeated Andrew Galvez and Lucelle Lampera, 21-12, 13-21, 21-19, while Savellano teamed up with Sabino to outclass the pair of Ariel Mariano and Elna Curate in the mixed doubles BC, 21-15, 19-21, 22-20.

In the last doubles match-the BB mixed doubles-Savellano and Estinopo thwarted Marlene Peraja and Reyes, 21-9, 21-17. Fisher recorded the Green All-Stars fifth win after downing Marlene Peraja, 21-12, 21-5, in the women's B singles.

Also nailing their second win were the Gray Hawks, who handed the Blue Powers their second straight loss, 4-2.

The victory put the Hawks in solo second place with an 8-4 record.

The Red Dragon Shuttlers and the Bad Masters, who dropped their opening games, recovered in Day 2 to share the No. 3 spot with the Smash Killers.

The Shuttlers thumped D' Bombers, 5-1, to improve to a 6-6 record.

Marilyn Montano recorded D'Bombers' lone win on Day 2, slipping past Gigi Zapanta in the women's B singles.

With D' Bombers having only one win on Day 2, they dropped to a 5-7 record.

The Net Fighters and the Blue Powers are at the bottom of the team standings with identical 4-8 slates.

Action in the Northern Marianas Badminton Federation-organized tournament will resume this weekend.
(Saipan Tribune)

Smash Killers nearly sweep day 1

The Smash Killers were the biggest winners on Day 1 of the 2nd Traders Insurance Badminton Team Tournament Saturday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The Macoi Aguda-captained Smash Killers were paired with the Red Dragon Shuttlers with the former cruising to an easy 5-1 victory.

Providing the wins for the Smash Killers were the pairs of Elna Curate-Andrew Galvez, Robert Reyes-Paul Navarro, Lucelle Lampera-Marlene Peraja, Aguda-Lampera, and Aguda-Navarro.

The tandem of Curate and Galvez prevailed over Malou Mendoza and Luis Camacho, 16-21, 21-10, 22-20 in the mixed doubles CC division; Reyes-Navarro defeated June Pineda and Sherwin Samson, 21-16, 19-21, 21-18 in the men's doubles BB; Lampera-Peraja topped Gigi Zapanta and Mendoza in the women's doubles BB, 21-10, 14-21, 21-5; Aguda-Lampera downed Hapi Gabriel and Mendoza in the mixed doubles AB, 21-16, 23-21; and Aguda-Navarro defeated Gabriel-Samson in the men's doubles BB, 21-17, 11-21, 21-15.

Pineda and Zapanta gave the Shuttlers their lone win in opening day after outclassing Ariel Mariano and Peraja in the mixed doubles BB, 21-15, 17-21, 21-17.

Also prevailing in their opening day assignments were the D'Bombers, the Green All-Stars, and the Gray Hawks.

D' Bombers whipped the Net Fighters, 4-2.

The Bombers won the women's doubles BB, men's doubles BB, and the mixed doubles AB and BB. The Net Fighters took the men's doubles BB and the mixed doubles CC.

The Gray Hawks ruled the mixed CC and AB and the men's doubles AB and BB to beat the Bad Masters, 4-2.

The Green All-Stars nailed similar 4-2 triumph over the Blue Powers winning the mixed AB and BB divisions and the men's AB and BB categories.

Each squad will have 36 remaining games in the round-robin tournament and the team to earn the most wins after seven playing days will take the championship.
(saipan tribune)

Traders Insurance Badminton Team Tournament starts

Hostilities in the 2nd Traders Insurance Badminton Team Tournament began Saturday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The opening day pairings were the Gray Hawks vs. Bad Masters, D' Blue Powers vs. Badminton All-Stars, Smash Killers vs. the Red Dragon Shuttlers. and D' Bombers vs. Net Fighters.

The eight participating teams played the mixed doubles game first, followed by the men's singles, and men's and women's doubles.

Playing for the Gray Hawks in the opening day for the mixed doubles event were Annette Ta and Marvin Pullan, Bad Masters had the tandem of Irene Santiago and Louie Cielo, Malou Mendoza-Louis Camacho for the Shuttlers, Pauline Cielo-Keno Pablo for the Net Fighters, Riza Cano-Alfred Acosta for D' Blue Powers, Lupe Sabino-Roding Domingo for the Badminton All-Stars, and Merlie Tolentino-Puy Macario for the D'Bombers.

Results of the mixed doubles matches were unavailable at press time.

The eight squads will be playing in a round-robin format with the team with the most wins after seven games gaining the championship.

A win in each match will give a team one point. Six points are at stake per playing day.

Meanwhile, this year's team tournament organized by the Northern Marianas Badminton Federation kicked off with the parade of teams and a Best in Uniform competition.

The Red Dragons Shuttlers claimed the Best in Uniform award.

CNMI sports supporter Jerry Tan was among the judges in the Best in Uniform contest and delivered a brief message to participants.

Also making remarks at the opening ceremony was Traders Insurance president Lito Mendoza, who reiterated his company's support to badminton tournaments.

The Traders Insurance tournament is also supported by Shirley's Coffee Shop, Pacific Quick Print, Coral Ocean Point, PTI, Sun Palace Hotel, Wear-A-Marconi, Tropex, Dollar Days, and Labtech International. (saipan tribune)

Shuttlers' team tourney unveils today

The 2nd Annual Traders Insurance Badminton Team Tournament will kick off today at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Eight teams will be battling for the championship as they play in mixed double, men's singles, and men's and women's doubles events,

Before the games, an elaborate opening ceremony will be held at 6pm with the eight squads participating in the traditional parade of teams.

A Best in Uniform award will be given. Selection for the best in uniform will be based on the creativity of team name, logo design and relevance, layout of design, and general impact.

Division of Sports and Recreation director Joe Lizama will be the opening rites' guest speaker. Joining him is Jerry Tan, who recently donated shuttlecocks for the tournament.

Northern Marianas Badminton Federation president Marconi Calindas will deliver the opening remarks, while a representative from tournament major sponsor Traders Insurance will also address the participants and guests.

Lizama will lead the ceremonial opening serve.

The eight teams that will fight for the championship are the Net Fighters of team captain Ed Sikayun, the Badminton All-Stars of Edwin Montoya, D'Blue Powers of Roger Vales, D' Bombers of Eric Pena, Bad Masters of Calindas, Red Dragon Shuttlers of Happy Gabriel, Lito Mendoza of the Gray Hawks, and the Smash Killers of Macoi Aguda.

Each team has one A-level player, three B-level players (men's), two B-level players (women's), and two C-level players (one each in the men's and women's division).

There will be six events per playing day and the tournament will have a round robin format. A point will be awarded for a win and the team with the highest points will be declared champion. The top three teams will be awarded trophies and other prizes

NMBF thanked the following for supporting the tournament: Jerry Tan; Shirley's Coffee Shop; Pacific Quick Print; Coral Ocean Point; PTI; Sun Palace Hotel; Wear-A-Marconi, Tropex; Dollar Days; and Labtech International.(Saipan Tribune)

Traders Insurance team tourney set to fly

The vastly improved skills of the island's badminton players will be put to the test starting this weekend when the Northern Marianas Badminton Federation holds the Traders Insurance Badminton Team Tournament at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

This weekend's tournament will be a first for Saipan's shuttlers since they attended a clinic conducted by Oceania Badminton Confederation regional development manager Tony Mordaunt last month.

“A lot of our players have shown significant improvement after attending Tony's clinic. Now it's time to put into practice what they have learned from Tony,” tournament committee head Macoi Aguda said.

NMBF president Marconi Calindas added they are looking forward to a balance competition in the tournament, as players, whose skill level are on top of the field, are evenly distributed among the eight participating teams. NMBF also held a draft to select the eight members of each squad.

“This will be an exciting and much competitive tournament,” said Calindas, who added that umpires skills will also be tested this weekend after they went through similar clinics with Mordaunt.

The Traders Insurance-sponsored tournament will run from Nov. 22 to Dec. 14 with games to be played every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Each team will have one A-level player, three B-level players (men's), two B-level players (women's), and two C-level players (one each in the men's and women's division).

The tournament will have competitions in the mixed double, men's singles, and men's and women's doubles.

The eight teams that will battle for the championship are the Net Fighters, the Badminton All-Stars, D'Blue Powers, Bad Masters, Red Dragon Shuttlers, Gray Hawks, Smash Killers, and Team Yellow.

Meanwhile, Traders Insurance handed over a $2,000 donation for the NMBF tournament.

Aguda received the check from Traders Insurance general manager Ernesto Licop during the brief press conference at Trader's office in Beach Road, San Jose Village yesterday.

Joining Aguda in the ceremony were several NMBF officials.

“We thank Traders Insurance for their continuing support to badminton. Their donation is very much appreciated especially at this time when most of the businesses are experiencing financial problems,” Aguda said.

“Traders Insurance is committed to help any organization which promotes physical fitness, camaraderie, and sportsmanship. We are looking forward to a successful tournament. To the participants, have fun and do your best to win,” Licop said.
(Saipan Tribune)