Rising Sun in Pickleball: Top Asian DUPR Risers of April
As the sport explodes globally, the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) has become the definitive yardstick for measuring talent across continents. In April, the rankings saw a seismic shift as several Asian players surged up the leaderboards, signaling a new era of international dominance.
What is DUPR?
DUPR is the most accurate global rating system in pickleball. It uses a scale from 2.000 to 8.000 based on match results, regardless of age, gender, or location.
A novice who's just starting would score between 2.0 and 2.9, and amateurs, such as those competing in the EPIC World Championship, would score between 3.0 (intermediate) and 5.9 (semi-pro). At the pinnacle of the sport, the ratings range from 6.0 to 8.0. Top-ranked pros like Ben Johns often hover around 7.3, while women's leader Anna Leigh Waters is typically around 6.6.
Because it factors in the strength of your opponents and the closeness of the score, DUPR provides a real-time reflection of a player's skill level. For professional players, jumping even a few spots is a monumental task, making the "risers" on this list particularly impressive.
Truong Hien (Rising 35 Spots)
Truong Hien was the undisputed "mover of the month" in April. Surging 35 spots to land at No. 45 in the Men’s Pro Singles Rankings, Truong broke into the prestigious Top 50 with a rating of 6.062.
His rise was punctuated by a stellar performance at the PPA Asia Hanoi Cup, where he secured a massive upset win over top-tier pro Federico Staksrud. Truong eventually took home the silver medal, proving that he can hang with the best in the world.
Nam Ly Hoang (Rising to No. 20)
Nam Ly Hoang continues to be the face of Vietnamese pickleball. Breaking into the Top 25 globally, Nam now sits at No. 20 with a DUPR of 6.267.
Nam’s momentum from late 2025 has carried over perfectly into the 2026 PPA Asia swing. After winning gold in Hangzhou in December, he followed it up with another gold at the PPA Asia Hanoi Cup. On his way to the podium, he defeated household names like Christian Alshon and Dylan Frazier, solidifying his status as a world-class threat.
Kiora Kunimoto (Rising 22 Spots)
Kiora Kunimoto is a name to watch for the "Next Gen" of pickleball. Known initially for her singles prowess, Kunimoto has successfully translated her tennis background into the doubles court.
In April, she jumped 22 spots to reach a DUPR of 5.643. Her month was highlighted by a bronze medal at the PPA Newport Beach Challenger and a fiercely competitive three-game match against the established duo of Fahey and Schneemann. Her ability to secure top-tier partners like CJ Klinger suggests that the pro circuit is taking serious notice of her rise.
Why This Matters
The rise of players like Truong, Nam, and Kunimoto represents more than just individual success; it reflects the rapid professionalization of pickleball across Asia. As the PPA Asia swing continues to provide a platform for these athletes to compete against established Western pros, the gap in the global DUPR rankings is closing faster than ever.
If April is any indication, the "Top Risers" list will likely feature many more names from the Asian circuit in the months to come.
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