Henzon Family Claims Victory at Fickle Ball Tournament: Capitol Hill courts recently hosted the Fun Fabulous Four Square and Fickle Ball Tournament, bringing together families and friends for an exciting weekend of competition. The event, held on September 21 and 22, featured a unique format that combined fast-paced action with camaraderie, making it a hit among participants. The highlight of the tournament was the stellar performance of the Henzon family, comprised of Ernie, Joanne, and Chelsea, who teamed up with their good friend Richard Asuncion to claim the coveted gold medal.
With a total of eight teams participating—each made up of two men and two women—the competition was fierce. In the finals, the Henzons and Asuncion faced off against the formidable team of Donn Dunlop, Marivic Dunlop, Nicky Nichols, and Mihoko Suzuki, showcasing an array of skills and strategies that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
Tournament Format: A Unique Experience
The pickleball tournament adopted a creative format that kept the energy high and players engaged. On Saturday, teams competed in a round-robin Four Square format, with players changing courts every 20 minutes. This innovative approach allowed participants to face different opponents and sharpen their skills in a dynamic environment. According to reports, this was the first time such a format had been used on Saipan, adding a fresh twist to the local pickleball scene.
On Sunday, the competition transitioned to a Major League Pickleball format, consisting of women’s doubles, men’s doubles, and two games of mixed doubles. The single-elimination style added excitement as teams battled for the gold and silver medals. The blend of formats ensured that players had ample opportunities to show their talents and engage in spirited competition.
Team Performance: Key Moments and Strategy
The Henzon family and Asuncion showed remarkable teamwork and resilience throughout the tournament. In the women’s doubles match, Marivic Dunlop and Mihoko Suzuki claimed victory over Joanne and Chelsea Henzon, securing a score of 15-5. However, the Henzon family’s determination shone through as Ernie Henzon paired with Asuncion for the men’s doubles, achieving a crucial 15-10 win against Don Dunlop and Nichols.
The finals were a true test of skill and strategy. Ernie and Chelsea Henzon took a 2-1 lead in the mixed doubles, winning 15-8 against Don Dunlop and Suzuki. The pivotal moment came when Asuncion paired with Joanne Henzon to clinch the championship title with a hard-fought 15-12 victory over Nichols and Marivic Dunlop. Ultimately, the Henzon family and Asuncion emerged victorious with a 3-1 final score, solidifying their place in the tournament’s history.
A Testament to Hard Work and Team Spirit
Ernie Henzon attributed their success to a combination of skill, practice, and faith.
“I would say our secret to success lies more with not just our abilities but our prayers and faith in God. We also try our best to practice every day to refine our skills and take each game as a lesson rather than a win or loss. We have been playing since July 2022.” – (Henzon)
Asuncion echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of hard work and preparation.
“Our team did a good job. We all worked hard and we really prepared before the tournament by practicing almost every night at the American Memorial Park courts.” – (Henzon)
The commitment to teamwork and consistent practice paid off, as they handled the challenges of the tournament with determination.
The Future of Pickleball in Saipan
As the tournament concluded, there were exciting developments on the horizon for the pickleball community in Saipan. The Pickleball Federation of the Northern Mariana Islands (PFNMI) is in the process of renovating the Capitol Hill courts to create the first dedicated pickleball courts on the island. The planned upgrades include new lights, fencing, and resurfacing, all aimed at enhancing the overall experience for players.
The next event at the Capitol Hill courts will show the newly refurbished facilities, further solidifying pickleball’s place in the local sports landscape. As interest in the sport continues to grow, players and organizations are eager to build on this momentum and create more opportunities for competition and community engagement.
News in Brief: Henzon Family Claims Victory at Fickle Ball Tournament
The Henzon family, consisting of Ernie, Joanne, and Chelsea, teamed up with their friend Richard Asuncion to win gold at the Fun Fabulous Four Square and Fickle Ball Tournament held at the Capitol Hill courts on September 21-22. In the finals, they defeated the team of Donn Dunlop, Marivic Dunlop, Nicky Nichols, and Mihoko Suzuki.
While the Dunlops and Suzuki claimed victory in women’s doubles, Henzon and Asuncion evened the score in men’s doubles. The championship was clinched in mixed doubles after a closely contested match. Ernie Henzon credited their win to practice, faith, and teamwork, while Asuncion emphasized hard work and persistence as key factors. The tournament featured eight teams competing in a fast-paced format, and the Capitol Hill courts are set to undergo renovations to become dedicated pickleball courts in Saipan.
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