National pride, passionate debuts, and full crowds define a weekend that elevated the status of padel across Asia.
Selangor, Malaysia – September 1, 2025 – The second edition of the Asia Pacific Padel Cup
(APPC) concluded with an electric final day at Joy Padel Division 2, as the Philippines sealed a
flawless run to be crowned regional champions. With a record eight national teams and the
support of Turkish Airlines as Title Sponsor, the tournament reaffirmed its place as a flagship event
on the Asia Pacific Padel Tour calendar and a showcase of national pride, new talent, and the
expanding footprint of padel across the region.
In a week full of memorable performances, it was the Philippines who stole the show. The
defending silver medalists returned with determination and depth, topping their group, sweeping
Malaysia 3-0 in the semifinals, and overpowering Hong Kong with another 3-0 win in the final.
With victories in every tie, the team proved too consistent and too clinical, earning their first APPC
gold medal and raising the bar for national team padel in Asia.
The semifinal round delivered contrasting narratives. On one side, the Philippines showcased their
dominance with a clean victory over hosts Malaysia, who had rallied from a shaky start to reach the
knockout stages.
On the other, Hong Kong and India played out a thrilling five-match battle, with
Hong Kong edging the tie 3-2 to reach their first-ever final. Despite the loss, India impressed,
especially under the guidance of their new coach, Paul Alsina, a Spaniard based in Indonesia and
currently ranked No. 3 on the APPT circuit.
While the Philippines shone at the top, several names made their mark throughout the event.
Thailand’s 16-year-old Mario Wongswuan became a fan favourite for his spirited play and fearless
attitude, pushing more experienced opponents in tight matches. Meanwhile, the Philippines
overcame adversity when one of their key players, Mac, suffered a groin injury mid-match, forcing
a tactical reshuffle. Despite the setback, the team maintained composure, a sign of their collective
strength.
The tournament also welcomed debut appearances by South Korea, Thailand, and Pakistan,
expanding the APPC’s diversity. While South Korea didn’t score a match win, they delivered an unforgettable
experience with their infectious energy and positive spirit.
“They brought a different kind of victory,” said Tournament Director David Maxwell. “Full of smiles, loving every
second,South Korea no doubt brought great energy to this celebration of padel.”
In the championship match, the Philippines confirmed their regional dominance with a commanding 3-0 win over
Hong Kong in the final. The tie was decided in just three rubbers, with the Philippines sealing each match in straight
sets. It was a clinical performance that showcased their depth and resilience, especially after a key injury earlier in
the week. With this victory, the Philippines captured their first APPC title and became the second nation to etch their
name into the regional trophy.
Off the court, the event was equally impactful. Joy Padel Division 2 hosted with world-class professionalism,
offering a seamless player experience and vibrant fan atmosphere. Turkish Airlines delivered one of the most
talked-about activations of the week, a life-size airplane check-in zone where fans received boarding passes and
entered to win international flights. The partnership marked a turning point in the commercial and fan experience
side of the tour.
“We’re seeing more nations, more fans, and deeper talent than ever before,” said Carlos Carrillo,
CEO of the Asia Pacific Padel Tour.
“With support from partners like Turkish Airlines and passionate hosts like Malaysia, we’re proving
that padel is here to stay in Asia, and we’re only getting started.”
As the second APPC draws to a close, the Asia Pacific Padel Tour continues its milestone season,
building a strong and inclusive foundation for national team padel in the region.
What’s Next
Following the Selangor success, the APPT now prepares for a historic new chapter: the tour’s first-
ever event in Japan, with the Tokyo Open (September 5–7) marking a symbolic and strategic entry
into one of Asia’s fastest-growing padel markets. With Japanese players already collecting titles in
recent APPT events, the Tokyo Open is expected to be both a homecoming and a statement —
proving that Japan is ready to lead on and off the court.
Just weeks later, the spotlight will shift to Singapore, which will host the first-ever Masters
category tournament in APPT history. With its elevated prize pool and competitive field, the
Singapore Masters (September 18–21) will mark a new milestone for professional padel in Asia,
solidifying the tour’s commitment to growth and prestige across the region.
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#WeSetTheGame
