Exciting Kickoff for PPA Tour Asia with MB Hanoi Cup
PPA Tour Asia Season 2 Launches with MB Hanoi Cup
The second season of the PPA Tour Asia is set to begin with a thrilling event, the MB Hanoi Cup, featuring six prominent players from the PPA Tour. Leading the charge is Ben Johns, who returns to Asia after participating in last season's MB Vietnam Cup. Joining him is Kaitlyn Christian, along with Tyra Black, Hayden Patriquin, Gabe Tardio, and Federico Staksrud. This eagerly awaited tournament will kick off a competitive year for PPA Tour Asia, attracting some of the sport's top international talent to Vietnam. With a blend of seasoned champions and emerging stars, the opening event is anticipated to capture the attention of pickleball enthusiasts throughout the region.
Johns, a dominant force in professional pickleball, is one of the standout names making a comeback to the Asian circuit. He aims to improve upon his last performance at this tournament, where he and partner Dekel Bar were eliminated in the semifinals by Armaan Bhatia and Zane Navratil, missing out on a podium finish. This time, Johns is determined to make a deeper run in the competition.
Christian also returns with fond memories from the previous season, where she achieved significant success by winning the women's doubles title alongside Chao Yi Wang. Having demonstrated her capability to thrive under pressure in Hanoi, she is eager to add more accolades to her collection.
Meanwhile, Tardio arrives in Hanoi with a surge of momentum in his career. The 20-year-old recently signed with the Vietnam-based brand Facolos and is excited to impress Asian fans. He has expressed enthusiasm for experiencing the vibrant pickleball atmosphere in the region, especially with many local players expected to participate, promising an energetic week ahead.
Staksrud, another notable international competitor, is returning to Asia after his debut at the Hangzhou Open last season. His participation in Hanoi will mark his second appearance in the region, further enhancing the event's star-studded lineup.
The MB Hanoi Cup is scheduled to take place from April 1 to April 5, 2026, at the My Dinh Indoor Athletics Arena in Hanoi. This venue is anticipated to host players from various regions. Registration for the tournament is currently open and will remain available until March 9, 2026, allowing players ample time to secure their spots for what promises to be an exhilarating start to the new PPA Tour Asia season.