News & Stories
May 2, 2025
Vietnam’s pickleball scene reached new heights as Ly Hoang Nam and Trinh Linh Giang clinched victory at the King Cup Open II in Hai Duong. Their thrilling championship run culminated in an intense final match that stretched well into the early hours, officially wrapping up after 1:30 AM on February 23. Despite the late finish, over 2,000 enthusiastic fans—both in the arena and online—remained engaged, fueling an electrifying atmosphere that set the stage for an unforgettable showdown.
A High-Stakes Battle Against Seasoned Opponents
In the championship match, Nam and Giang faced a formidable duo in Jack Wong and Le Quoc Khanh. All four competitors brought extensive tennis experience to the court, making for a highly strategic and dynamic contest. Jack Wong, a former ATP-ranked player from Hong Kong who achieved a career-high doubles ranking of No. 81, paired up with Vietnam’s Le Quoc Khanh, who once reached an ATP singles ranking of 1317. Despite their opponents' strong credentials, Nam and Giang’s seamless coordination, endurance, and adaptability proved decisive, allowing them to outplay their rivals and claim the coveted title.
Vietnam’s Pickleball Boom on Full Display
The King Cup Open II, boasting a substantial prize pool of 1 billion VND, has swiftly established itself as a premier event in Vietnam’s growing pickleball scene. Nam and Giang’s victory in this tournament underscores the sport’s accelerating development in the country. Their ability to transition effortlessly from tennis to pickleball highlights the increasing crossover appeal between the two sports and the expanding opportunities for elite athletes in this fast-rising discipline.
For Ly Hoang Nam, Vietnam’s No. 1 tennis player, this tournament marks a pivotal moment in his pickleball journey. Fresh off his participation in the PPA Tour Australia - Vietnam Open 2024, Nam is exploring his potential in pickleball while maintaining an active tennis career, where he currently holds an ATP ranking of 621. His involvement in the sport has sparked speculation about whether he might eventually pivot towards pickleball full-time as its popularity continues to soar.
(Photo Source: https://thethaovanhoa.vn/ly-hoang-nam-thi-dau-toi-rang-sang-gianh-chuc-vo-dich-pickleball-day-kich-tinh-20250223142736152.htm)
Trinh Linh Giang: A Rising Star in Pickleball
Vietnam’s No. 2 tennis player, Trinh Linh Giang, has quickly emerged as a dominant force in the country’s pickleball circuit. Renowned for his powerful two-handed backhand and tactical shot selection, Giang has already earned significant accolades, including the men’s singles championship at the 2024 National Club Pickleball Championship and a silver medal at the Asian Open Pickleball Championship. His partnership with Truong Vinh Hien in men’s doubles has also been highly successful, with the duo securing multiple domestic titles and establishing themselves as one of Vietnam’s most formidable pickleball teams.
The Future of Pickleball in Vietnam
The thrilling final at the King Cup Open II is yet another testament to pickleball’s rapid rise in Vietnam. With high-profile athletes like Ly Hoang Nam and Trinh Linh Giang making their mark, the sport is poised to gain even greater recognition. As more elite players recognize the competitive and professional opportunities within pickleball, Vietnam is positioning itself as a growing force on the international stage.
With an increasing number of professional tournaments, a passionate and expanding fan base, and the involvement of top-tier athletes, pickleball’s momentum in Vietnam is undeniable. The sport is not just growing—it is thriving, and Vietnam is quickly establishing itself as a key player in its global evolution.
