Following the historic launch of the APP Asia Tour in Kuala Lumpur earlier this year, the tour returns to Malaysia for its second stop of the 2026 season as the Leapmotor APP Asia Penang Open takes centre stage from 22–26 July at Pickle By The Sea @ Gurney Drive.

As the second event of the inaugural seven-stop APP Asia Tour, Penang continues the momentum generated by February's record-breaking APP Asia Kuala Lumpur Open while welcoming another elite international field featuring APP professionals alongside many of Asia's leading players.

The 2026 APP Asia Tour features the following events:
•February – APP Asia Kuala Lumpur Open, Malaysia
•July – APP Asia Penang Open, Malaysia
•October – APP Asia Chongqing Open, China
•November – APP Asia Bangkok Open, Thailand
•November – APP Asia Taipei City Open, Chinese Taipei
•December – APP Asia New Delhi Open, India
•December – APP Asia Ho Chi Minh City Open, Vietnam

With valuable APP Asia Tour ranking points on the line, defending medallists returning, exciting new partnerships forming and several players arriving in career-best form, Penang is set to deliver one of the strongest professional fields ever assembled in Southeast Asia.
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Pro Men's Singles‍

Quang Duong Headlines His APP Asia Tour Debut
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All eyes will be on APP signed professional Quang Duong, who makes his highly anticipated APP Asia Tour debut in Penang. Widely regarded as one of the brightest young stars in professional pickleball, Duong has quickly built a reputation for his explosive athleticism, fearless shot-making and ability to dictate rallies from anywhere on the court. His arrival marks the first opportunity for fans across Asia to watch one of APP's newest professional stars compete live, making him one of the tournament's biggest attractions.

Duong will face strong opposition from Jack Foster, whose composed all-round game and consistency make him a genuine title contender throughout the week.

Flying the Malaysian flag is Aiman Hamdan, the highest-seeded Malaysian in the men's singles draw. Competing against one of the strongest international fields assembled this year, Hamdan will look to use home support to mount a deep run and challenge the overseas favourites.

With contrasting styles throughout the draw, Men's Singles promises high-quality battles where patience, athleticism and the ability to seize key moments could ultimately separate champion from challenger.
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Pro Women's Singles

Roos van Reek Arrives in Red-Hot Form
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Few players enter Penang carrying more momentum than Roos van Reek.

The Dutch star enjoyed a successful APP Asia debut earlier this year, capturing bronze medals in both Women's Doubles and Mixed Doubles at the APP Asia Kuala Lumpur Open. Since then, she has elevated her game even further by producing a remarkable Triple Crown performance at the D-Joy Pickleball Tour Leg 2 in Vietnam, winning gold in Women's Singles, Women's Doubles and Mixed Doubles.

With confidence at an all-time high, Van Reek enters Penang as one of the leading favourites to capture the Women's Singles title.

Taiwan's Pei Chuan Kao continues to establish herself among Asia's strongest competitors. Her tactical discipline, consistency and ability to construct points patiently make her a dangerous opponent capable of challenging any player in the field. Croatia's Domenika Turkovic also returns with confidence after winning the Women's Singles bronze medal at the APP Asia Kuala Lumpur Open in February. Having already demonstrated her ability to perform on the APP Asia Tour, Turkovic will be aiming to take another step forward in Penang.
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Pro Men's Doubles
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Defending Champions Return with New Partners
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The Men's Doubles draw features several of the tournament's most compelling storylines, with former champions returning alongside exciting new partnerships.

Jack Munro returns to defend the Men's Doubles title he won at the APP Asia Kuala Lumpur Open alongside Richard Livornese Jr. This time, however, the American forms a brand-new partnership with rising APP professional Aidan Schenk.

Schenk has continued his impressive rise on the APP Tour, highlighted by his gold medal victory at the 2025 Zimmer Biomet APP New York City Open. His explosive movement, athleticism and aggressive net play complement Munro's experience, court awareness and ability to control the tempo of doubles matches, making them immediate title contenders.

Another partnership arriving with tremendous momentum is Quang Duong and Harsh Mehta, who recently captured the Men's Doubles title at the D-Joy Pickleball Tour Leg 2 in Vietnam. Their aggressive style, quick hands and willingness to attack from anywhere on court make them one of the most exciting teams to watch throughout the tournament. Completing the leading contenders are Santhosh Narayanan and Max Manthou, another partnership capable of making a deep run in what promises to be one of the tournament's strongest professional divisions.
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Pro Women's Doubles
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Fresh Partnerships Meet Proven Champions
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Women's Doubles combines recent champions with exciting new partnerships, creating one of the most balanced divisions of the tournament.

Vivian Glozman and Roos van Reek arrive in Penang with significant momentum after recently winning the Women's Doubles title at the D-Joy Pickleball Tour Leg 2 in Vietnam. Combining Glozman's composed all-court game with Van Reek's aggressive style around the kitchen, they enter among the favourites to lift another trophy.

Defending APP Asia Kuala Lumpur Open Women's Doubles champion Megan Fudge also returns to Malaysia after winning gold alongside Sofia Sewing earlier this year. This time, however, she begins a new partnership with Amber Policare, adding another fascinating storyline to the draw.

Another pairing expected to challenge for the podium is Allison Harris and Amanda Hendry, whose balanced style and teamwork should see them firmly in contention throughout the week.

With several newly formed partnerships competing against established combinations, communication and chemistry may ultimately prove just as important as talent.
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Pro Mixed Doubles

Familiar Faces, New Combinations
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Mixed Doubles once again promises to deliver some of the week's most entertaining matches. Jack Munro and Roos van Reek reunite after winning bronze together at the APP Asia Kuala Lumpur Open. Having already enjoyed success as a partnership on the APP Asia Tour, they enter Penang as one of the leading contenders for gold.
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Defending APP Asia Kuala Lumpur Open Mixed Doubles champion Megan Fudge also returns with a different partner after capturing gold alongside Richard Livornese Jr in February. In Penang, she joins forces with Aidan Schenk, combining championship experience with one of the APP's brightest emerging stars.

Another partnership to watch closely is Quang Duong and Amanda Hendry, who previously won silver at the D-Joy Vietnam Masters in 2025 after falling in a closely contested final against Jack Munro and Megan Fudge. Returning together in Penang, they will be eager to go one step further should the opportunity present itself.

With proven medallists now paired with different partners, Mixed Doubles may prove to be the tournament's most unpredictable division.
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The Bigger Picture

The Leapmotor APP Asia Penang Open represents much more than simply another stop on the calendar.

Following the tremendous success of February's APP Asia Kuala Lumpur Open, Penang continues the rapid expansion of the APP Asia Tour while reinforcing Malaysia's position as the home of the APP's Asia Headquarters.

The tournament showcases the APP's commitment to growing professional pickleball throughout Asia by bringing together internationally recognised APP professionals and the region's top emerging talent on the same stage.

For Quang Duong, Penang marks the beginning of his APP Asia journey.

For Roos van Reek, it presents an opportunity to continue the outstanding form that has made her one of the hottest players entering the tournament.

For defending champions Jack Munro and Megan Fudge, it is another chance to prove themselves alongside new partners.

For Malaysia's Aiman Hamdan and the home contingent, it is an opportunity to test themselves against some of the world's best while competing in front of local fans.

As the APP Asia Tour continues its journey across China, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, India and Vietnam later this year, Penang represents another significant milestone in the continued growth of professional pickleball throughout the region.

With international stars, Asia's leading players and passionate local supporters all coming together on Penang's iconic waterfront, the stage is set for another memorable week of world- class competition.
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Venue
Pickle By The Sea @ Gurney Drive
Lot PT 844 & PT 845, Gurney Dr, Bandar Tanjong, 10250 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
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How to Watch
The Leapmotor APP Asia Penang Open 2026 will be livestreamed globally on:
•APPTV via The APP Tour YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/@TheAPPTour
•SelkirkTV YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/@selkirktv
•Tonton Malaysia (Malaysia's National TV streaming platform)
Available via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in Malaysia.
•Leapmotor Malaysia YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/@LeapmotorMalaysia
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Championship Court
Wednesday, 23 July | 1:00 pm – 10:00 pm (GMT+8) | Round of 16
Thursday, 24 July | 1:00 pm – 11:00 pm (GMT+8) | Quarterfinals
Friday, 25 July | 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm (GMT+8) | Semi-finals
Saturday, 26 July | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm (GMT+8) | Championship Saturday