Over the weekend, the New Zealand National Championships showcased some class badminton over in Tawa, Wellington North. As the new week starts, a number of the National Squad athletes will venture on to a new challenge as they travel onto the international stage over the next few weeks.
Two different groups will travel across the globe, one to Saipan, Northern Marianas, and the other to Thailand, to compete in a series of international tournaments. These events offer valuable world ranking points, exposure to high-level competition, and a key opportunity for player development.
For many of these athletes, the opportunity to compete internationally marks an important step forward in their development. Whether building on recent momentum or gaining vital experience, stepping outside of New Zealand to face global competition is a valuable part of their growth as elite players.
Edward Lau and Shaunna Li will be a pair to watch at the Crowne Plaza Northern Marianas Open, entering the tournament as top seeds in the Mixed Doubles event. Meanwhile, exciting new combinations are set to make their international debut in the Men's Doubles where 2025 Oceania Junior Champion - Raphael Deloy will partner up with 2025 Oceania Men's Doubles Champion - Adam Jeffrey. Both pairs have just clinched National Championship titles over the weekend and we look forward to see how they perform at Saipan.
In Thailand, a new mixed doubles combination will also debut at the Toyota Thailand International Series featuring Justine Villegas (North Harbour) who will partner with 2025 Oceania Men's Doubles Champion - Dylan Soedjasa. Justine Villegas will also be partnering Jenny Zhu in Women's Doubles for both Thailand tournaments.
Crowne Plaza Northern Marianas Open 2025
August 5–10 - Saipan, Northern Marianas
- Men's Singles: Edward Lau (North Harbour)
- Women's Singles: Shaunna Li (North Harbour)
- Mixed Doubles: Edward Lau and Shaunna Li (North Harbour)
- Men's Doubles: Raphael Deloy (Waikato) and Adam Jeffrey (Auckland)
Toyota Thailand International Series 2025
August 5–10 - Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
- Women's Singles: Jenny Zhu (North Harbour)
- Mixed Doubles: Dylan Soedjasa and Justine Villegas(North Harbour)
- Women's Doubles: Justine Villegas and Jenny Zhu (North Harbour)
Century Insurance Saipan International 2025
August 12-16 - Saipan, Northern Marianas
- Men's Singles: Edward Lau (North Harbour)
- Women's Singles: Shaunna Li (North Harbour)
- Mixed Doubles: Edward Lau and Shaunna Li (North Harbour)
- Men's Doubles: Raphael Deloy (Waikato) and Adam Jeffrey (Auckland)
Toyota Thailand International Challenge 2025
August 12–17 - Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
- Women's Singles: Jenny Zhu (North Harbour)
- Mixed Doubles: Dylan Soedjasa and Justine Villegas(North Harbour)
- Women's Doubles: Justine Villegas and Jenny Zhu (North Harbour)
- Men's Doubles: Dylan Soedjasa (North Harbour) and Andika Ramadiansyah (Australia)
These international appearances reinforce the importance of giving our players exposure to different playing styles, high-pressure environments, and world-class opponents. We’re excited to see how each of them rises to the challenge and proud to support them as they represent New Zealand overseas.
Stay tuned to Badminton New Zealand's social pages for exclusive updates with the team.