The MB Hanoi Cup 2026 delivered a Championship Sunday for the ages, etched into pickleball history by breathtaking comebacks and undisputed dominance. Fans were treated to a rollercoaster of emotions, affirming Asia's growing status on the global PPA Tour circuit.
Key Highlights from MB Hanoi Cup 2026
- Kaitlyn Christian's unbelievable Women's Singles comeback saved two match points and won from seemingly insurmountable deficits.
- Hoang Nam Ly showcased sheer dominance, securing back-to-back PPA Tour Asia Men's Singles titles.
- The formidable duo of Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright extended their unbeaten Women's Doubles streak to an astounding 18 titles.
- Ben Johns finally claimed Men's Doubles gold on PPA Tour Asia, completing a dominant double gold day with Waters in Mixed Doubles.
Christian's Miracle Run: A Singles Masterclass
The Women's Singles final will be talked about for years. Kaitlyn Christian faced a daunting challenge against Brooke Buckner, who was making a stellar PPA Tour Asia debut. Down a game and trailing 2-8 in the second, Christian looked defeated.
Yet, she refused to yield. Eight straight points shifted the momentum, and despite Buckner earning match points at 11-10 and 12-11, Christian saved both to force a deciding third game, winning 14-12.
Even then, the drama wasn't over. Buckner surged to a 9-4 lead in the decider. But Christian, fueled by an impossible stretch forehand winner, found another gear, unleashing seven unanswered points to seal an 11-9 victory. Her 7-11, 14-12, 11-9 triumph was a testament to unparalleled mental fortitude.
Ly's Local Triumph: Back-to-Back Dominance
The home crowd roared as Vietnamese sensation Hoang Nam Ly delivered a commanding performance in the Men's Singles final. Facing compatriot Hien Truong, Ly controlled the match from start to finish, securing an 11-5, 11-6 victory.
This win marks Ly's second consecutive Men's Singles gold on the PPA Tour Asia, solidifying his status as a regional powerhouse. While Truong's wait for a first singles title continues, his impressive run, including an upset over Federico Staksrud in the semifinals, signals that his moment is fast approaching.
Unstoppable Queens: Waters & Bright Extend Dynasty
Some things are just inevitable. The powerhouse Women's Doubles team of Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright arrived in Hanoi with an unbroken record, and they left with it intact. Their 18th Women's Doubles gold medal came at the expense of Tyra Black and Catherine Parenteau.
The world's top two players displayed their flawless synergy, cruising to an 11-7, 11-5 victory. This remarkable streak, showing no signs of slowing down, underscores their unparalleled dominance in the sport.
Johns Breaks the Men's Doubles Barrier
For Ben Johns, the MB Hanoi Cup 2026 brought a long-awaited breakthrough. After previous PPA Tour Asia appearances yielded only silver and bronze in Men's Doubles, he finally secured the coveted gold alongside partner Collin Tardio.
Their journey was far from simple. After an emphatic 11-0 'pickle' in the first game against rivals Federico Staksrud and James Patriquin, they faced a resilient comeback. Staksrud and Patriquin, who had beaten them at the 2025 World Championships, took the second game 11-7. However, Johns and Tardio regrouped, closing out the decider 11-6 to claim their well-deserved title.
Double Gold for the Power Pair: Waters & Johns Reign
Capping off a spectacular day, Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns cemented their status as the sport's ultimate Mixed Doubles pairing. They cruised to their second gold of the day, dominating Kaitlyn Christian and Christian Alshon with an 11-5, 11-2 win.
For Waters, her debut on the PPA Tour Asia was nothing short of perfection, leaving with two gold medals. Johns completed his personal Asian gold rush, departing Vietnam with a complete set of medals from his 2025/2026 outings.
What's Next for PPA Tour Asia?
The PPA Tour Asia calendar continues its exciting run, heading to Kuala Lumpur for the Panas Kuala Lumpur Open 2026. This PPA Asia 500 event is scheduled for May 13-17 at 9Pickle in Malaysia, promising more high-stakes pickleball action.
