Championship Sunday Hits Hard: MB Hanoi Cup 2026 Day 5 Wrap-Up

HANOI, VIETNAM — The curtains have closed on a historic week in the capital of Vietnam. The MB Hanoi Cup 2026 (a PPA Asia 1000 event) concluded with a "Championship Sunday" that lived up to every ounce of its billing. 

Day 5 was a masterclass in professional pickleball. From local heroes cementing their legacies to international superstars proving why they sit at the top of the world rankings, here are the five biggest stories from the final day in Hanoi.

The Queen of Pickleball Claims Her Asian Crown

Anna Leigh Waters (ALW) made her PPA Tour Asia debut one for the history books. Often regarded as the greatest to ever play the game, ALW secured Double Gold in Hanoi.

Alongside Anna Bright, she extended their legendary 18-final winning streak, defeating Tyra Black and Catherine Parenteau (11-7, 11-5). Later in the day, she partnered with Ben Johns to dominate the Mixed Doubles final against Kaitlyn Christian and Christian Alshon (11-5, 11-2).

Hoang Nam Ly Goes Back-to-Back

The My Dinh Indoor Athletics Arena erupted as Vietnam’s own Hoang Nam Ly continued his reign over Asian singles. After claiming the title in Hangzhou in 2025, the former tennis star proved he is the leading force in the region's singles circuit.

Ly’s performance was clinical, but the victory carried extra weight due to his opponent, Hien Truong. The matchup served as a significant rematch for the two top Vietnamese competitors, whose previous encounters have been marked by high intensity and competitive friction.

Vietnam #1 vs. The Challenger

The competitive tension between Hoang Nam Ly and Hien Truong can be traced back to the 2025 MB Vietnam Cup, where a dispute over line calls created a lasting rivalry. While Hien is known for his gritty, disruptive style and his ability to pull off massive upsets (including beating the #1 seed Staksrud in the semis this week), Hoang Nam Ly showed that his refined technique and professional experience remain the standard to beat.

Ly defeated Hien in straight sets (11-5, 11-6). As the only Asian player on the podium, Ly’s victory highlighted his status as a premier athlete in Vietnamese pickleball.

The Miracle in Hanoi: Kaitlyn Christian’s Redemption

The standout performance of the tournament came from Kaitlyn Christian. After a dominant 2025 in Kuala Lumpur followed by a challenging stretch in Vietnam, Christian entered the Hanoi draw looking to re-establish her dominance.

Christian faced a steep deficit down a game and trailing 2-8 in the second against Brooke Buckner. Through remarkable persistence, she saved multiple match points to take the second set 14-12. In the third, trailing 4-9, she executed a difficult "no-look" miracle scoop that shifted the momentum entirely. She won the final seven points of the match, finishing 11-9 to secure the gold.

Bronze Battle: Tardio and Black Upset the Seeds

In the Mixed Doubles bronze medal match, Gabe Tardio and Tyra Black showcased a highly effective tactical approach against the #2 seeds, Anna Bright and Hayden Patriquin.

Tardio’s aggressive presence at the kitchen, complemented by Black’s consistent resets, prevented the favorites from finding their rhythm. Tardio and Black's disciplined execution resulted in a convincing 11-3, 11-4 victory, earning them the final spot on the podium.

Official Results Summary

What's Next? The PPA Tour Asia heads to Malaysia for the Panas Kuala Lumpur Open 2026 from May 13-17. The high level of play in Hanoi suggests that the 2026 season will continue to see fierce competition across the continent.