Domenika Turkovic Leads Strong Field at APP Asia Penang Open 2026
Domenika Turkovic Tops Seedings for APP Asia Penang Open
Domenika Turkovic from Croatia has been announced as the top seed in the Pro Women's Singles division for the upcoming APP Asia Penang Open, scheduled to take place in Penang, Malaysia, from July 22 to 26. This tournament marks a significant milestone for pickleball in Asia, featuring a diverse lineup of competitors from Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. As the inaugural event of the APP Asia Tour, it promises to enhance the competitive landscape of the sport in the region.
Following Turkovic in the seedings are Amanda Hendry and Shelby Bates from the United States, who are seeded second and third, respectively. The fourth seed is Roos Van Reek from the Netherlands. The remaining top eight seeds include American Amber Policare, Yu-Chieh Hsieh from Chinese Taipei, India's Aaliya Ebrahim, and Selina Turulja from Australia. India's presence among the seeded players highlights the nation's increasing influence in the international pickleball arena.
Aaliya Ebrahim, who recently secured a fourth-place finish at the BIDV Cup and clinched the Picklebay Zonals - North title, is eager to make a significant impact in this competitive field as the tournament kicks off in Penang. The Penang Open is particularly important as it serves as the first event of the newly established APP Asia Tour, designed to broaden the sport's reach across the continent while functioning alongside the PPA Tour Asia, offering players an additional high-caliber platform for regular competition.
This tournament initiates a series of six events on the APP Asia calendar, aimed at creating a consistent competitive pathway throughout Asia. Following the Penang Open, the tour will proceed to the APP China Open in October, followed by the APP Bangkok Open later that same month. The schedule continues with the APP Taipei City Open in November, and the APP India Open, also set for November. The inaugural season of the APP Asia Tour will culminate with the Ho Chi Minh City Open in December, marking the conclusion of this first edition of the continental circuit.
With an international roster, a fresh tour framework, and six tournaments across five nations, the APP Asia Tour is poised to offer players enhanced opportunities to compete while fostering the growth of pickleball throughout Asia. Penang will serve as the initial testing ground for this ambitious initiative as the circuit officially commences.