Tanya Hemanth Triumphs at Saipan International 2025

In a significant triumph for Indian badminton, 21-year-old Tanya Hemanth captured the women's singles title at the Saipan International 2025, held on Saturday in the Northern Mariana Islands. Ranked 86th globally, Hemanth, the tournament's top seed, emerged victorious against Japan's unseeded Kanae Sakai with a decisive scoreline of 15-10, 15-8 in the final match, according to Olympics.com.

The tournament, part of the Badminton World Federation's 3x15 scoring system test events, challenges players with games played over 15 points rather than the traditional 21. This win adds to Hemanth's impressive track record, which includes international series titles at the India International in 2022, the Iran Fajr International in 2023, and the Bendigo International in 2024. Despite reaching the final of the Azerbaijan International last year, she was defeated by fellow Indian player Malvika Bansod.

Throughout the Saipan tournament, Hemanth demonstrated resilience, overcoming several challenging matches to secure her place in the final. She faced Japan's Ririna Hiramoto (15-10, 12-15, 15-8) in the semifinals, Singapore's Lee Xin Yi Megan (14-16, 15-12, 15-9) in the quarterfinals, and Japan's Nodoka Sunakawa (4-15, 15-9, 15-7) in the round of 16, after receiving a bye in the opening round. Meanwhile, other Indian players such as Naishaa Kaur Bhatoye, Annanya Pravin, and Tanishq Mamilla Palli exited in the women's singles round of 16, with Sravanth Sai Suri being ousted in the men's singles round of 32. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)