Hong Kong Makes History, Edges Japan 4-3 for Bronze at Pickleball World Cup
On.cc · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong's pickleball team clinched a historic bronze medal at the Pickleball World Cup held in Vietnam, edging Japan 4-3 in a thrilling bronze medal match on Saturday evening. After Japan won the opening game, Hong Kong rallied to lead 3-1, only for Japan to level the score. The deciding seventh game, played in "Dream Match" format, saw Hong Kong's Lin Zhaohui, Lin Yingxue, Wang Kangjie, and Deng Nuoyao ultimately triumph 21-16. The youth team also impressed, reaching the quarter-finals before being eliminated by the United States.
Key Points
- Hong Kong defeated Japan 4-3 to claim the bronze medal in the Open Division at the Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam on September 5, 2026 .
- Hong Kong's comeback players included Wang Kangjie, Lin Junxi, Deng Nuoyao, and Fan Peilong, who won three consecutive matches in men's doubles and two mixed doubles events .
- The "Dream Match" decisive game featured Lin Zhaohui, Lin Yingxue, Wang Kangjie, and Deng Nuoyao rotating three points each, ending with a 21-16 victory .
- Hong Kong dominated the group stage with three straight wins, then defeated Costa Rica 4-0, Spain 4-1, and France 4-2 in the knockout rounds .
- Hong Kong lost 0-4 to defending champions the United States in the semi-finals, missing the final but securing third place .
- The youth team comprised Zheng Xiaolan, Liang Yalin, Liu Yanfeng, Kuang Chengde, Tang Yili, and Qi Yindi, reaching the quarter-finals before losing 0-3 to the United States .
Why It Matters
This bronze medal marks Hong Kong's first-ever podium finish at the Pickleball World Cup, signaling the city's emergence as a competitive force in this rapidly growing sport on the international stage .
This bronze medal marks Hong Kong's first-ever podium finish at the Pickleball World Cup, signaling the city's emergence as a competitive force in this rapidly growing sport on the international stage .