Yuta Funemizu and Tama Shimabukuro Triumph at Tokyo Open

Yuta Funemizu and Tama Shimabukuro triumphed in the Pro Men's Doubles final at the Tokyo Open, defeating Collin Johns and Len Yang. After losing the first game, the duo made a remarkable comeback, winning the next two games decisively. The event showcased high-level pickleball competition, with Funemizu and Shimabukuro aiming for further success in the mixed doubles final later in the day. The PPA Asia Tour continues to elevate the sport across Asia, attracting elite players and significant prize money.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 4, 2026, 13:24 IST

Tokyo Open Pro Men's Doubles Championship

In an exciting final at the Tokyo Open, part of the PPA Tour Asia 500 series, Yuta Funemizu and Tama Shimabukuro emerged victorious in the Pro Men's Doubles category. They overcame Collin Johns and Len Yang with scores of 8-11, 11-2, 11-7 on Saturday, July 4. After losing the first game, the duo from Japan and Hawaii bounced back impressively, dominating the subsequent games to secure the championship trophy.

Johns and Yang started strong, showcasing excellent teamwork and strategy to win the opening game 11-8. However, Funemizu and Shimabukuro quickly regained their momentum, allowing only two points in the second game to force a decisive third game. They maintained their high level of play, ultimately clinching the title with an 11-7 win in the final game.

Prior to the finals, Johns and Yang had advanced by defeating Hatakeyama-Leung and Brown-Narayanan, and then overcoming French and Stone with scores of 12-10, 11-7 in the semifinals. Despite their strong start in the final, they could not hold off the comeback from Funemizu and Shimabukuro.

In the bronze medal match, Eunggwon Kim and Hong Kit Wong triumphed over Brandon French and Wyatt Stone with scores of 10-12, 11-2, 11-8, controlling the latter two games after a closely contested opening.

Later in the day, Shimabukuro aimed for his second gold medal at the Tokyo Open, teaming up with Sahra Dennehy for the mixed doubles final against Yufei Long and Len Yang.

About the PPA Asia Tour

The PPA Asia Tour serves as the official Asian branch of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), recognized as the leading professional pickleball tour globally. It introduces high-level competition across major Asian cities through various graded events, including PPA Asia 500 tournaments that offer significant prize money and ranking points. The tour features top-tier players competing in men's and women's singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, contributing significantly to the rapid growth of professional pickleball in the region.