Pickleball 

HCM CITY — Phúc Huỳnh delivered the best performance of his career to clinch the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour Asia – MB Vietnam Open 2025 in HCM City on September 7, marking a historic moment for Vietnamese sport.

Huỳnh dominated the all-Vietnamese men’s singles final, dispatching Lý Hoàng Nam 2-0 (11-5, 11-1) to secure his golden tournament finish. After winning silver in Fukuoka last week, this was a well-earned step up the podium for the local star.

From the first serve, Huỳnh kept the pressure relentless. Securing match point, he turned to the packed stands with arms raised, signalling that this was Việt Nam’s court and Việt Nam’s moment.

His path to the title was marked by key victories, including a semi-final win over Panas Malaysia Open champion Trịnh Linh Giang of Việt Nam, 2-0 (11-9, 11-3). In the quarter-finals, Huỳnh stunned top seed Wong Hong Kit 2-0 (11-2, 11-5), leaving the Hong Kong Open champion unable to respond to his unrelenting barrage.

Việt Nam’s Trương siblings added two more titles in the doubles categories. Top seeds Alix Trương and Meghan Dizon cruised to women’s doubles gold with a commanding 2-0 (11-3, 11-0) victory over Xiao Wang-Beckvall and Lauren Mercado, while the men’s doubles title went to Americans AJ Koller and Jonathan Trương, who defeated Australians George Wall and Joseph Wild 2-0 (11-6, 11-7).

In the Amateur discipline, local pair Tống Nhật Minh and Lê Xuân Đức continued their dominance in the U18 men’s doubles, securing their third Asian victory.

Phúc Huỳnh’s triumph not only cements his status as a rising star but also highlights Việt Nam’s growing influence in the international pickleball scene.

The youngsters beat Rex Thái and Phạm Hoài Anh 11-6 in the final to top the podium, following their win in the Malaysia Open and Hong Kong Open couples of weeks ago.

Minh later, paired with Jolie Lam, lost 11-7 to Rex Thái and Diane Huỳnh to take silver in the mixed doubles.

"I just tried to stay focused on one match at a time and not think too much about having to win," Minh told Việt Nam News and Law.

"This competition was tougher compared to the two previous ones. Everyone played at a high level so it wasn’t so easy at all. This win means a lot to me. It’s like proof that all the hours I put in are worth it and it gives me even more motivation to keep improving."

The next stop of the Tour will be the Malaysia Cup on September 24-28. — VNS