Quang Duong and Phuc Huynh clashed over two balls.

Controversies surrounding the ball used in matches between Quang Duong and Phuc Huynh at a pickleball tournament in Davao (Philippines) became a focal point for fans in Vietnam.

Quang Duong wants to play a 48-hole golf ball named after himself - Photo: PPF

In the men's singles final on May 22nd at the Mindanao Open in the Philippines, Quang Duong refused to play against Phuc Huynh because he was not allowed to use a 48-hole ball. Phuc Huynh also disagreed if he had to switch to his familiar 40-hole ball.

Both the 48-hole and 40-hole golf balls, from two different Vietnamese brands, were the official balls used in this tournament. This led to a conflict between the two players over the brand interests they represented. The organizers awarded the championship to both players to ensure fairness.

40-hole and 48-hole basketballs

Due to the fans' interest, the organizers have provided a full account of the story, circumstances, and events.

Specifically, on the first day of competition (May 21st), the familiar 40-hole ball from Phuc Huynh was used. On the second day of competition (May 22nd), the 40-hole ball from Quang Duong was used.

When both Quang Duong and Phuc Huynh reached the men's singles final on May 22nd, Quang Duong wanted to use the 48-hole ball he had been playing in his matches on his way to the final. A disagreement arose, so the final match did not take place. Nevertheless, both won gold medals.

To avoid further conflict during the next two days of competition, May 23rd and 24th, the organizers have decided to use only 40-hole balls from both brands represented by Phuc Huynh and Quang Duong. A different brand will be used each day. 48-hole balls will no longer be used in the competition. Mr. Aldus Corel Dela Cruz, founder of the Philippines Pickleball Federation (PPF), confirmed this.

Phuc Huynh doesn't want to play with a different type of ball because he has a sponsor - Photo: PPF

What did Quang Duong's father say?

The organizers have spoken out, but that doesn't mean Quang Duong will use his opponent's ball. Quang Duong's father, Duong Duy Duc, took a firm stance, stating that Quang Duong will not promote his opponent's ball while using a different one.

"We didn't fly from the US to the Philippines to advertise for another company. If it weren't for the sponsor's request, I would have canceled today's match (May 23). Quang Duong is participating in this tournament because of the sponsor's ball, not because he's playing for free," Duy Duc said.

Quang Duong and his younger brother Bao Duong are competing in the men's doubles event alongside Phuc Huynh and Hung Anh. Given the superior skill level of the Vietnamese players, it's highly likely they will meet again in the final. If that happens, a dispute over the ball's value could recur.

The fact that the tournament organizers received ball sponsorships from two different brands also raises many issues. For famous and influential players, it is difficult for them to compete using balls from different manufacturers. Each company has its own ball manufacturing technology, not to mention the significant differences between 40-hole and 48-hole versions.

In pickleball, when players of the same skill level meet, the difference usually comes from external factors such as racket performance, type of ball used, court surface, and indoor/outdoor venue.

QUANG THINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/quang-duong-va-phuc-huynh-mau-thuan-vi-2-qua-bong-20260523115329423.htm