News & Stories
Mar 4, 2025
Vietnam’s pickleball scene is heating up, and the Fire Starters Dong Nai Open 2025 Diadem Cup proved just how thrilling the sport’s growth has become. Hosted on February 15-16 at Pickleball Club 39 in Bien Hoa City, this event brought together nearly 350 players from across the country, making it the largest community pickleball tournament Dong Nai has ever seen. But what truly set this tournament apart was the outstanding performance of several talented women who rose to the challenge and left the crowd cheering for more.
Si Boi Ngoc: From Tennis Veteran to Pickleball Champion
In just her second month of playing pickleball, Si Boi Ngoc made an unforgettable impression by capturing the championship in the tournament’s top-level 7.5 mixed doubles division. Drawing from her 20 years of tennis experience as a former member of the Ho Chi Minh City tennis team, Ngoc showed exceptional skill and strategy while competing alongside—and against—some of Vietnam’s strongest male players.
One of her most remarkable moments came during the semifinals, where her team secured a 15-10 win over none other than Trinh Linh Giang, one of the country’s leading tennis players. In the final match, Ngoc continued her dominant run, pulling off an 11-2, 11-10 victory with her male partner against experienced opponents Ngo Duc Duong and Dang Duc.
With her sharp reflexes, precise shot placement, and confident court presence, Ngoc quickly became a fan favorite. Spectators surrounded her after matches to offer their congratulations, with many amazed at how seamlessly she had transitioned into pickleball and triumphed over veteran players.
(Photo Source: https://www.24h.com.vn/the-thao/bong-hong-si-boi-ngoc-tap-pickleball-2-thang-vo-dich-khi-dau-2-nam-cao-thu-c101a1642192.html)
Tran Diem Ngoc: Wowing the Crowd with an ATP Showstopper
Another standout performance came from Tran Diem Ngoc, a former top-three national tennis player who has only been playing pickleball for about four months. Competing in the mixed doubles category, Diem Ngoc amazed the audience with a perfectly executed Around the Post (ATP) shot—a rare and difficult move where the ball curves around the net post instead of going over the net. The crowd erupted in applause as she pulled off this stunning play.
Despite her early exit in the round of 16, Diem Ngoc’s performance didn’t go unnoticed. Reflecting on the challenges of competing against all-male teams, she shared, “Playing against two male players is really difficult. As the only woman, my opponent will put pressure on that position, requiring me to concentrate and exert all my strength to hit. The male players also have stronger and faster hitting power, so each match is a big challenge for me.”
(Photo Source: https://www.24h.com.vn/the-thao/bong-hong-si-boi-ngoc-tap-pickleball-2-thang-vo-dich-khi-dau-2-nam-cao-thu-c101a1642192.html)
Rising Stars Making Their Mark
The tournament also highlighted other emerging talents who are quickly making names for themselves. Nguyen Mai Thao, who transitioned from badminton to pickleball, showcased her powerful smashes and advanced to the top 8 in the 4.5 mixed doubles category. This was only her second tournament, yet she handled the pressure with confidence. “Before the competition, I was mentally prepared for my opponent to focus the ball on me. However, competing with men was still very difficult. This is only the second pickleball tournament I have participated in, so I am completely satisfied with my performance. Since I started playing this sport, I have only played pickleball and have not practiced any other sport.”
Meanwhile, tennis player Truc Thuy brought her skills to the 4.5 mixed event. Although she didn’t progress past the group stage, her participation added to the event’s vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, as more athletes from different sports continue to discover the joy and challenge of pickleball.
(Photo Source: https://www.24h.com.vn/the-thao/bong-hong-si-boi-ngoc-tap-pickleball-2-thang-vo-dich-khi-dau-2-nam-cao-thu-c101a1642192.html)
A New Era for Pickleball in Vietnam
The Fire Starters Dong Nai Open 2025 was more than just a competition; it was a clear sign of pickleball’s growing popularity and inclusivity in Vietnam. With male and female athletes competing side by side in mixed divisions, the tournament emphasized the sport's unique ability to bring people together, regardless of gender or background.
As the sport continues to spread across Asia, these standout performances from players like Si Boi Ngoc, Tran Diem Ngoc, and Nguyen Mai Thao show just how bright the future of pickleball is in Asia. Their stories of rapid success, bold play, and fearless competition are inspiring a new generation of players to pick up a paddle and join the fun.
