Tsukagoshi, Pangilinan bag badminton championships

Rising star Lina Tsukagoshi and veteran Janelle Pangilinan smashed their way to multiple championships in the NMI National Badminton Championships 2023 that was held last over the weekend.

Tsukagoshi teamed up with Marlon Bautista in the U17 mixed doubles division and defeated second place Kyle Salcedo and Prapti Mondal in three sets, 21-9, 20-21, 21-20.

In the open division, Tsukagoshi and Pangilinan were a force to be reckoned with in the women’s doubles matchup against second place Shaina Malonso and Charmaine Bautista. Pangilinan and Tsukagoshi defeated them in two quick sets, 21-11, 21-11.

Pangilinan then wrapped up the tourney with a win in the open mixed doubles division with her trusty partner Nate Guerrero. They shut down second place Daniell Pablo and Malonso, 21-15, 21-11.

According to Pangilinan, the tournament was a qualifier for national badminton team international badminton events, so the focus was on the youth players and to gauge their progress from the beginning of the year.

Pangelinan played through sickness and said she and mixed doubles partner Guerrero didn’t think too much of it and just played.

The 24-year-old said, “Being sick was hard actually, not only as a player, but as well as facilitating the tournament.”

For 13-year-old Tsukagoshi, she said the tournament was “short” but “super fun.”

“It was a good experience for me to go against new people. This tournament was kind of a qualifier for the U17 national team that is going to Australia in February 2024, so I felt very proud of myself and happy to show my talent and passion,” she said.

On how she made it to the championships, she said, “My coaches helped and supported me through this tournament and it really helped me get to the top. I also really appreciate my best friends for supporting me in my games. Me and my partners’ strategy was just to give no mercy and to work hard.”

“I’m very thankful for this opportunity that was given to me and I’ll be looking forward to the next tournament,” said Tsukagoshi.

Results of the other divisions will be posted in the next issues of Saipan Tribune.