Showing posts with label Tournament. Show all posts

Friday, April 5, 2024

2024 World Pickleball Championship - Vietnam: Singles Open

3:28 Jai Grewal (NZL) vs Trinh Giang (VNM) 28:43 Vanshik Kapadia (IND) vs Marco Leung (MAC) 1:04:47 Jai Grewal (NZL) vs Max Lertrikornchai (THA) 1:38:06 Jih Shian Yeo (SIN) vs Phan Thanh Hung (VNM) 2:24:59 Pei Chuan Kao (TWI) vs Karina Aditya Dwipayani (IDO) 2:43:56 Jai Grewal (NZL) vs Neilson Chen (TW) 3:10:54 Lam Ying Suet (HK) vs Yu-Chieh Hsieh (TW) 3:33:37 Hong Kit Wong (HNK) vs Vanshik Kapadia (IND) 4:15:45 Pei Chuan Kao (TW) vs Yu-Chieh Hsieh (TW) 4:59:18 Hong Kit Wong (HNK) vs Neilson Chen (TW)

2024 World Pickleball Championship - Vietnam: Singles 35+

5:33 Colin Wong Wei Ming vs Marco Lueng 35:46 Lam Ying Suet vs Karina Aditya Dwipayani 1:14:44 Marco Leung vs Hong Kit Wong 1:54:09 Diana Hughes vs Tran Huyen Trang, Women's Singles Open 35+ Final 2:58:17 Carlos Rubio vs Nguyen Thang, Men's Singles Open 35+ Final

Epic Showdown: WPC Vietnam Men's Singles Open 35+ Final Carlos Rubio vs Nguyen Thang: A Clash of Titans As the sun sets over the picturesque Carmelina Beach Resort in Vietnam, the stage is set for a riveting battle on the pickleball court. The World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Vietnam has witnessed several remarkable matches, but none quite as anticipated as the Men's Singles Open 35+ Final. Commentators Gordon Watson and Jan Papi are ready to bring you the live action as Carlos Rubio faces off against the formidable Nguyen Thang. Match Highlights: The match kicks off with both players displaying incredible speed and agility, setting the pace for what promises to be an intense showdown.

Nguyen Thang takes an early lead, showcasing his powerful shots and strategic play.
Carlos Rubio fights back with precision shots, narrowing the point gap and keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
Both players demonstrate remarkable athleticism, diving for shots and executing impeccable volleys.
Rubio's relentless determination is evident as he refuses to let Thang run away with the match, closing the point gap with a series of well-placed shots.
Thang's forehand proves to be a game-changer, repeatedly catching Rubio off guard and securing crucial points.
The match sees several intense rallies, with both players pushing each other to their limits and leaving spectators in awe of their skill and tenacity.
Despite Rubio's valiant efforts, Thang maintains his composure and capitalizes on his opponent's mistakes, inching closer to victory.
Thang's exceptional net play and strategic serves ultimately seal the deal as he clinches the gold medal with a commanding performance.
In a post-match interview, Thang reflects on his win, attributing his success to his powerful forehand and determination to excel in the sport.

As the curtains draw to a close on this thrilling encounter, fans are left in awe of the talent and sportsmanship displayed by both Rubio and Thang. With the WPC Vietnam setting the stage for more exhilarating matches to come, pickleball enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this exciting journey. Join us tomorrow as the action continues with the highly anticipated open singles matches, promising more exhilarating moments and unforgettable showdowns. Until then, stay tuned and keep the pickleball spirit alive!

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

2024 APP Miami Pickleball Open

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Delray Beach Tennis Center Pickleball

Delray Beach Gelato & Co Pickleball is Life Challenge

Women's Pro Doubles (All Ages) - Prize Money $$

25:19 Leigh Waters/Anna Bright vs Jorja Johnson/Christa Gecheva (Main Draw) 1:42:54 Anna Leigh Waters warms up Leigh Waters for Gold Medal Match 1:45:17 Anna Bright/Leigh Waters warms up for Gold Medal Match 1:51:31 Leigh Waters/Anna Bright vs Jorja Johnson/Christa Gecheva Gold Medal Match 2:35:18 Leigh Waters/Anna Bright vs Jorja Johnson/Christa Gecheva Gold Medal Match (Game To 15)

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

2024 Asia Pickleball Open: Leander Lazaro vs. QUANG DUONG Exhibition/ Practice Games

WPC SERIES - 2024 Asia Pickleball Open Organizer: Pickleball Global February 13, 2024 to February 19, 2024 City:Phuket, Thailand Home Club: Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort

Leander Lazaro vs. QUANG DUONG | APO Exhibition Singles Match | Asia Pickleball Open 2024

Leander Lazaro/Willy Chung vs. (Quang) Duong Bros | Practice Game | Bangkok, Thailand
Leander Lazaro/Kim Saraza vs. (Quang) Duong Bros | Practice Game | Bangkok, Thailand

Leander Lazaro/Kim Saraza vs. (Quang) Duong Bros Exhibition Match

Chiến Thắng Media

PICKLEBALL GIAO LƯU (3+ hrs)
PICKLEBALL FAMILY AN KHÁNH VS FAMILY QUANG DƯƠNG (50+ mins)

Thái Bình City is a city in the Red River Delta of Northern Vietnam. It is the capital of Thái Bình Province. The city is located 110 km from Hanoi.

Media

January 12, 2024 Thanh Nien Magazine - Vietnamese-American tennis player caused a stir when he defeated world No. 1
Quong defeats World No. 1 Johns in men’s singles at PPA Masters Victoria Radnothy, Pickleball.com
Jan 11, 2024 03:45 PM ET
PALM SPRINGS, CA – Major upset alert in Southern California.
Seventeen-year-old Quang Duong made headlines by defeating World No. 1 Ben Johns in Round of 16 men's singles action at The Masters on Thursday with an 11-7, 7-11, 11-6 triumph on Humana Championship Court. (Interview)
Brothers Quang, Bao Duong joining forces in men's doubles
Matt Cudzinowski, Pickleball.com
Nov 18, 2023 08:15 AM ET
DALLAS, TX - Seventeen-year-old Quang Duong isn’t the only member of his family competing at the Hertz Gold Cup on Saturday. Duong’s 12-year-old brother, Bao, will be his doubles partner and officially make his professional pickleball debut in the process.
October 30, 2023: Forbes: Duong Joins Association Of Pickleball Players Royalty At the Houston Open
July 2023 The James Ignatowich Show - QUANG DƯƠNG shares his journey from tennis star to pickleball phenomenon (AI Assisted Article)

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

2024 PPA Masters: Dylan Frazier vs Federico Staksrud

Fraizer Fights Back for Shocking Desert Singles Title

In an epic comeback that stunned the pickleball world, 10th-seeded Dylan Fraizer battled back from a 9-3 deficit in the decisive third game to topple second-seeded Federico Staksrud and claim the men's singles crown at the PPA Hyundai Masters in Palm Springs.

The 22-year-old Fraizer, playing in just his second career pro singles final, showcased tenacity and shot making brilliance to earn the biggest title of his young career. After dropping a lopsided first game and struggling to find his form early in the match, Fraizer tapped into his athletic gifts in the second game by playing more aggressively. He then demonstrated preternatural poise in the dramatic third game, saving match point down 9-3 before reeling off eight consecutive points, including a string of scintillating ground stroke winners.

When Fraizer blistered a two-handed backhand return winner on his second match point, he let out a euphoric yell and collapsed to the court in disbelief. Making Fraizer's breakthrough victory even more impressive was toppling his good friend Staksrud, owner of 10 prior titles and a winning record against Fraizer entering the match. But on this day in the desert, Fraizer would not be denied.

Contrast of Styles and Early Nerves In a battle between two of pickleball's best movers and counter-punchers, the opening game saw few sustained rallies, with both players struggling to find their form. There was palpable tension in the air as the final featured not only contrasting playing styles but a clash of generations in the sport.

The savvy veteran Staksrud came out taking the ball early and attacking with his devastating forehand, while the younger Fraizer relied on his speed and defense to extend rallies. Uncharacteristically tentative, Fraizer misfired on a series of key volleys to fall behind early as Staksrud jumped to a quick 7-1 lead.

While Fraizer finally got on the board with a few deft drop shots that left Staksrud flat-footed at the non-volley zone, Staksrud's aggressive play and deft touch proved too much. Playing with his characteristic quickness — "not giving you one second to catch your breath," as the announcers noted — Staksrud closed out a routine 11-2 opening game victory.

Fraizer Finds Form to Force Decider Shaking off the early nerves, Fraizer came out a different player in Game 2. Showing the athleticism that makes him one of pickleball's most prized young talents, Fraizer made a concerted effort to take more balls out of the air and attack Staksrud's serve. He also unveiled his two-handed backhand down the line, a shot that he would brandish to great effect later in the match.

After falling behind early again at 3-1, Fraizer turned on the jets, ripping clean backhand and forehand winners while mixing in feathery drop shots. In a breathtaking eight point run, Fraizer left a bewildered Staksrud flat-footed at the kitchen as he pulled ahead 9-3. Now the aggressor, Fraizer continued pounding groundstrokes, especially off the backhand side, to close out a dominating 10-3 Game 2 win — forcing the match to a decisive third game.

Back-and-Forth Start to Decisive Game The two athletes — both blessed with tremendous speed, athleticism and determination — traded blows from the baseline to start the rubber game. If Staksrud tried to attack with his explosive forehand, Fraizer answered back with his flashy backhand. When Fraizer attempted a drop shot, Staksrud sprinted up and scooped the ball off his shoelaces. Through the first 10 rallies there were no sustained runs, just side outs and fist pumps, with both combatants exemplifying sportsmanship whenever an opponent hit a winning shot.

But at 3-3, Staksrud began finding the range with his serve and dominant forehand. He mixed in several off-speed shots like lobs and dinks to keep Fraizer off balance. After Fraizer swung wildly on a backhand to fall behind 6-3, he called a much-needed timeout to regroup. But the comeback had not yet started. Two points after the timeout, Staksrud won another long rally to stretch his lead to 9-3 and suddenly find himself just two points from the title.

Miracle Comeback Seals Title Then, in one of the most shocking and thrilling comebacks in professional pickleball history, Fraizer wrote a storybook finish that seemed implausible just minutes earlier.

After scratching back to 9-5, Fraizer lined up in the return-of-serve position facing match point and proceeded to author the greatest run of his young career. Playing with a coolness belying his age, Fraizer cracked a backhand return winner to save match point. A couple points later, he ripped a running forehand passing shot, and let out a guttural yell. Sensing the epic comeback mounting, the crowd rose in unison to cheer Fraizer's audacious shot-making.

Now buoyed by the crowd and brimming with belief, Fraizer went into overdrive, smoking groundstroke winners off both wings. When he powered a forehand winner up the line to complete the unfathomable eight-point run and grab match point at 11-9, the stunned crowd erupted. Fraizer promptly broke Staksrud's serve with — what else — a sizzling two-handed backhand return to clinch the title to bedlam.

When the tears had dried and the on-court interviews finished, it was apparent Fraizer's breakthrough title — which included earlier wins over third-seeded Tyson McGuffin and fifth-seeded JW Johnson — signals the arrival of pickleball's next superstar. With his championship point, Fraizer announced boldly that he intends not just to reach more singles podiums but to stand at the apex of those podiums.

Friday, January 12, 2024

2024 PPA Masters: Connor Garnett vs Jack Sock

Chapter 1: Introduction

Jack Sock arrived on the professional tennis scene over a decade ago with sky-high expectations. A top junior player who won multiple major titles, Sock quickly became one of the ATP Tour's rising American stars.

By his mid-20s, Sock had cemented himself as a fixture in the top 10, winning major doubles titles and an Olympic Gold medal in mixed doubles. His powerful serve and forehand carried him to four career singles titles.

However, injuries curtailed Sock’s progress in recent years. His ranking and results declined, and Sock started searching for his passion for tennis again.

1.1. Transition to Pickleball

In 2023, Sock decided to try a new racquet sport - pickleball. Intrigued by its rapid growth and potential, Sock dove headfirst into training and competing.

With his athleticism, reflexes and racquet skills, Sock proved a quick study. The smaller court dimensions suit his aggressive baseline style. After finding early doubles success, Sock turned his focus toward making noise in singles as well.

1.2. Connor Garnett: A Steep First Test

Sock’s first major singles test comes against Connor Garnett, the #4 ranked player in the world. One of pickleball’s emerging young stars, Garnett’s all-around game has few holes.

His elite backhand and speed enable Garnett to thrive in both singles and doubles. With a win over Sock, Garnett would further validate his place among the world's best pickleball players.

Meanwhile, Sock aims to score the first marquee win of his young pickleball career, showing he has the talent and tactics to immediately compete with the sport's top competitors.

Chapter 2: Early Stages and Strategies

As the match kicked off, both Sock and Garnett looked to attack each other's strength - the forehand.

2.1 Targeting Backhands

Sock consistently went after Garnett's two-handed backhand, trying to move his opponent out of his comfort zone. Meanwhile, Garnett focused on exploiting Sock's powerful forehand wing, preventing him from dictating with his favorite shot.

2.2 Garnett's World-Class Backhand

While Sock tried going after Garnett's backhand, he quickly realized it was a feckless strategy. Garnett's two-hander off both wings is considered one of the best shots in pickleball, played with precision and consisten power.

Garnett uses his backhand to redirect pace cleverly, often leaving opponents on their heels. Sock struggled generating clean winners off of Garnett's steady backhand replies.

2.3 Familiarity Between Opponents

As a former college tennis player, Garnett was no stranger to Sock's accomplishments on the ATP tour. In fact, Garnett spent time as a hitting partner for top players like Novak Djokovic.

Facing Sock gave Garnett a chance to test his game against world-class talent. Sock's athleticism, shot-making and aggression pushed Garnett outside his comfort zone.

2.4 Sock's Court Coverage

Despite his 6'3" height, Sock possesses excellent footspeed and mobility around the court. He used his wheels to track down potential winners by Garnett, extending points with athletic, on-the-run replies.

Sock's speed and reflexes allow him to adapt quickly to pickleball's fast pace of play. He relied on his natural athletic gifts early while adjusting to the nuances of the sport's strategy.

Chapter 3: Contrast Between Tennis and Pickleball

While Sock brought elite-level tennis skills to the pickleball court, the two sports have some distinct differences he had to adjust to.

3.1 Crowd Engagement

A fiery competitor in tennis, Sock remained animated and vocal on the pickleball court as well. He actively encouraged the crowd's support and pumped his fists after winning points.

Tennis can be more subdued, but Sock thrived off the fan energy in his transition to pickleball.

3.2 Line Calling and Challenge System

Unlike tennis, pickleball puts line-calling duties in the players' hands. Players make initial calls, then can challenge the referee if disagreements arise.

As a tennis player used to relying on line judges, this nuance took some adapting from Sock and other tennis imports. Close calls became heated discussions with no neutral arbiters.

3.3 Speed and Movement

Garnett's elite foot speed was evident throughout the match, as he tracked down Sock's hardest hits. The lightning pace of pickleball rewards reaction time and acceleration even more than tennis.

Garnett used his mobility to effectively counterpunch, extending points until Sock missed or presenting himself with winning opportunities.

3.4 Self-Officiating Responsibilities

With no baseline judges to make calls in pickleball, the ethics of players honestly calling lines on themselves becomes paramount.content_copy

Missed calls can swing the outcome of matches at the sport's top level, placing even more pressure on players to impartially monitor lines.

This added mental stress of self-officiating created another adjustment for tennis converts like Sock.

Chapter 4: Strategic Shifts As Match Progresses

As the match wore on, both Sock and Garnett identified areas needing adjustment and sharpened their tactics accordingly.

4.1 Chasing Down the Line Shots

Early on, Sock successfully moved Garnett side-to-side with angled shots down the lines. But Garnett soon committed to staying more centered, refusing to chase wide balls and instead forcing Sock to hit outright winners.

4.2 Attacking the Net

The tennis pro realized his advantage attacking the net and ending points quicker, rather than remaining passive. When Sock imposed his will stepping inside the kitchen, Garnett struggled passing or lobbing over his 6'3" frame.

4.3 Sock's Crosscourt Forehand

Sock heavily favored his inside-out forehand, repeatedly painting the sideline with sizzling winners crosscourt. Rarely did he attempt to redirect shots down-the-line off that wing.

4.4 Sitting on the Forehand

Recognizing Sock's patterns, Garnett began cheating to the crosscourt forehand, conceding the down the line option. By sitting on Sock's favorite play, Garnett neutralized its effectiveness.

Forcing Sock out of his comfort zone to hit forehands down the line or backhands gave Garnett a better chance to extend rallies.

Chapter 5: Deciding Third Game

With the match tied at one set apiece, a decisive third game would determine the winner between Sock and Garnett.

5.1 Quest for First Signature Win

Could Sock earn his first statement win in his young pickleball career against one of the world's best? His aggressive style gave him a puncher's chance, but Garnett's consistency posed a stiff test.

5.2 Targeting the Forehand

Knowing Sock wanted to run around backhands, Garnett began cheating across, taking away space for Sock's inside-out forehand. This forced Sock into more backhand shots outside his comfort zone.

5.3 Match Interruption

Late in the game, Garnett suddenly slipped on the court – a product of high winds kicking up dust. Sock displayed excellent sportsmanship checking on his opponent's condition before play resumed.

On the next point, Sock showed tremendous closing speed to track down a Garnett lob, cracking a winning backhand smash to the open court.

His elite athleticism briefly swung momentum in his favor at this critical moment.

Chapter 6: Down to the Wire

With Sock nearing a monumental upset, the match came down to a few crucial points to decide a winner.

6.1 On the Cusp of Major Win

Sock raced out to a commanding 10-2 lead in the third game, putting him on the verge of his first statement win at the pro level. An elite top 5 scalp over Garnett would validate Sock as more than just a big name.

6.2 Controversial Call on Match Point

Facing match point at 10-2, Garnett managed to save one before Sock earned another opportunity. On his second match point, Garnett hit a backhand that was called out.

Sock challenged the call, believing the ball caught the outside edge of the line. But upon video review, there was insufficient evidence to overturn the initial call.

6.3 Proving His Place in Pickleball

Regardless of the final result, Sock’s three-game dogfight with one the world’s premier players proved he deserves respect and attention. More than just trading on his tennis resume, Sock showed the athleticism and shot-making to immediately threaten the pickleball elite.

With continued development, Jack Sock will remain a dangerous draw as he cements his new career.

Conclusion

In the end, Sock managed to close out the long, tightly-contested match with Garnett and earn his first statement win in professional pickleball.

Taking one of the world's premier players to the brink demonstrated that Sock brings far more to the table than just a famous tennis name. With further development, he appears poised to become a formidable force on the pros tour.

Sock revealed elite athleticism, closing speed and shot-making flair against Garnett. At critical moments, he imposed his will by attacking the net at opportune times.

Mentally, Sock also utilized timeouts effectively to slow momentum and disrupt his opponent's rhythm. These veteran tactics complemented his physical gifts throughout the match.

In a sport growing as rapidly as pickleball, players with Jack Sock's pedigree don't come along often. His star power and competitive drive lend further credibility and exposure to the professional game.

For Connor Garnett, the loss provides invaluable experience against an unconventional style executed by one of the sport's most dangerous newcomers.

00:00

Jack Sock, former top 10 tennis player, making his entrance on the pro pickleball stage against Connor Garnett, #4 ranked men's pro singles player 00:28