Pickleball Tournament in Capital Hill: On Saturday and Sunday, September 21 and 22, the Pickleball Federation of the Northern Mariana Islands hosted a two-day pickleball tournament titled the Fun Fabulous Four Square and Fickle Ball Tournament. This exciting event marked a significant milestone in the local pickleball scene, showing the growing interest in the sport across the island.
Fast-Paced Action on Saturday
The tournament featured eight teams, each composed of two men and two women. Saturday’s competition utilized a Four Square format, where individuals engaged in a fast-paced round-robin play. Teams rotated between courts every twenty minutes, keeping the action dynamic and thrilling. Notably, this format was a first for Saipan, adding to the excitement of the event.
Sunday’s Major League Pickleball Format
The tournament continued on Sunday, with the top four scoring teams from Saturday facing off against the lower four scores in a Major League Pickleball format. This included women’s doubles, men’s doubles, and two games of mixed doubles. The competition on Sunday was single elimination, ending in a nail-biting finish to determine the gold and silver medalists.
Medal Winners
The Gold Medal team comprised Ernie Henzon, Joanne Henzon, Chelsea Henzon, and Richard Asuncion, while the Silver Medal team included Donn Dunlop, Marivic Dunlop, Nicky Nichols, and Mihoko Suzuki. Their impressive performances highlighted the competitive spirit and skill present in the tournament.
Future Developments
Held on Capital Hill, the tournament entertained and signaled ongoing developments for the local pickleball community. The Federation is in the process of renovating the courts, aiming to establish the first dedicated pickleball facilities on the island.
Efforts are underway to secure sponsorships for new lights, fencing, and court resurfacing, promising an upgraded experience for future events. The next gathering on Capital Hill is set to showcase these newly refurbished courts, further enhancing the local pickleball scene.
News in Brief: Pickleball Tournament in Capital Hill
The Pickleball Federation of the Northern Mariana Islands held the Fun Fabulous Four Square and Fickle Ball Tournament on September 21-22, featuring eight teams in a unique format. Saturday’s round-robin led to a single-elimination Major League Pickleball competition on Sunday.
Gold Medalists included Ernie Henzon and his team, while Donn Dunlop and his team took silver. Renovations for dedicated pickleball courts on Capital Hill are underway, with plans to enhance facilities for future events.
ALSO READ : Jackson Metro Expands Pickleball Facilities, New Pickleball Courts Coming Soon
