Phuc Huynh is the number 2 seed, Linh Giang stays home to watch PPA Japan

Phuc Huynh is the highest seeded Vietnamese pickleball player at the PPA Asia Japan tournament, held in Fukuoka city from August 26 to 31.

Trinh Linh Giang and Ly Hoang Nam were spectators at the PPA Asia Fukuoka Open - Photo: PPA

After the PPA Asia Hong Kong Open just ended for 2 days, the Fukuoka Open 20225 started in Japan to continue the series of events. The tournament gathered 593 registered players.

The biggest surprise at this event was the absence of PPA Asia's No. 1 singles player Trinh Linh Giang. Linh Giang and Ly Hoang Nam had problems with their Japanese entry visas.

According to team managers Trinh Linh Giang and Ly Hoang Nam, all members cannot go to Fukuoka, and will make an appointment with the audience at events in Vietnam and Malaysia in the near future.

Linh Giang, although unable to defend his professional men's singles title after losing to Jack Wong, still showed his professional level and unique playing style.

Linh Giang's absence is quite regrettable, but in return, Vietnamese pickleball fans have the opportunity to watch Phuc Huynh - Huynh Thien Phuc, the number 2 seeds in the singles event, compete.

This is the first time Phuc Huynh has participated in a PPA Asia tournament. He has previously participated in PPA Australia and the US. Therefore, there is a reason why the organizers placed him just behind #1 Connor Garnett.

Phuc Huynh (right) is the second seed at the Japan event - Photo: PPA

Meanwhile, the new Hong Kong Open 2025 men's singles champion, Hong Wong Kit - Jack Wong, who just defeated Linh Giang 2-1, is seeded number 4 after Malaysian Tyler Loong.

Seeded players in five events (men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles, and mixed doubles) all advance directly to the Main Draw (final round) without having to play qualifying rounds on the first day.

Phuc Huynh had his first victory in the round of 16 when he defeated Syed Uzair Sufi 2-0 (11-0 and 11-8). In the quarter-finals, the 2000-born player will meet Lucas Pascoe tomorrow, August 29.

The competition time has not been officially announced. The singles round will be broadcast live on theFPT Play system from tomorrow, August 29, until the end of the tournament, August 31, in all categories.

QUANG THINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/phuc-huynh-la-hat-giong-so-2-linh-giang-ngoi-nha-xem-ppa-nhat-ban-20250828165758987.htm