Federico Staksrud, ranked number two on the PPA world standings, is considered among the strongest players in American pickleball tournaments. Making his debut at an Asian PPA leg, the Argentinian was the top seed in men's singles. He had defeated Vietnamese players in the earlier rounds, including Le Xuan Duc and Nguyen Huu Hung Anh, who had previously given Quang Duong a tough match at last week's D-Joy Vietnam Masters.

However, when facing Hoang Nam, Staksrud struggled to control the game. The Vietnamese player consistently pressured his opponent, rushing the net quickly on service returns and capitalizing on scoring opportunities when serving.

With the first set tied at 7-7, Staksrud slipped while attempting a save at the back of the court. Hoang Nam capitalized on this psychological advantage, swiftly securing the set with an 11-7 victory.

Ly Hoang Nam celebrates his victory over Staksrud at the Liping Arena, Hangzhou, China on 5/11. *Screenshot*

Hoang Nam's momentum carried into the second set, where he quickly built a 6-0 lead due to a series of errors from his Argentinian opponent. Staksrud only began to recover when trailing 3-8, demonstrating his skill with deceptive, loose counter-attacks. He then surged ahead, leading 9-8 and eventually 10-9.

However, Hoang Nam once again displayed his resilience, drawing level with a cross-court backhand winner before taking an 11-10 lead. On the decisive point, the 28-year-old effectively covered the net, denying Staksrud any opportunity to counter.

With a final score of 11-7, 12-10, Hoang Nam secured his spot in the final, where he will play Jack Wong, who had defeated Truong Vinh Hien in two sets in the earlier semi-final.

Among Vietnam's current top four men's singles pickleball players, Hoang Nam was the only one who had not yet claimed a PPA tour title. Trinh Linh Giang, Phuc Huynh, and Truong Vinh Hien had all been champions.

Despite being the latest among the "Big 4" to transition to pickleball, the former Vietnamese tennis number one is experiencing rapid progress. Hoang Nam's victory over Staksrud on 5/12 serves as a testament to his skill and composure on the international stage.

The PPA Asia Hangzhou leg, held from 3-6/12 at the Liping Sport Center, brought together 372 players. This event marked the final leg of the PPA system in Asia for 2025. The tournament offered a total prize fund of 50,000 USD, with the men's singles champion receiving 1,800 USD, 1,000 Asia Tour points, and 500 PPA US ranking points.

Vy Anh