Vietnam’s Ly Hoang Nam delivered the biggest shock of the Pickleball PPA Asia Hangzhou Open 2025, defeating world No.2 Federico Staksrud of Argentina in straight sets to book his place in the men's singles final.

The match, held on the morning of December 5 at the Liping Sports Center in Hangzhou, saw Hoang Nam – seeded third – face the tournament’s top seed and one of the most dominant players on the U.S.-based PPA Tour.

Staksrud, competing in his first Asian tournament, came in with a formidable reputation and the No.1 seed tag in men’s singles. Just a day earlier, he had beaten Hoang Nam and partner Xuan Duc in the men’s doubles competition, adding to the anticipation for the rematch.

But in a surprising turn of events, Hoang Nam produced a brilliant performance. He edged out Staksrud 11–7 in the first set and held his nerve in a tense second set, clinching it 12–10 to win the match 2–0.

As the final point was secured, Hoang Nam collapsed onto the court in joy, overwhelmed by the magnitude of his achievement.

He now awaits the winner of the second semifinal between fellow Vietnamese player Truong Vinh Hien and Hong Kong’s Jack Wong.

The PPA Asia Hangzhou Open 2025, held from December 3–6 at the Liping Sports Center, features 372 international athletes. The tournament carries a total prize pool of $50,000 USD, with the men’s singles champion set to receive $1,800 USD, 1,000 Asia Tour ranking points, and 500 USA PPA ranking points.

Dai Nam