RECORD PPA PRO FIELD ASSEMBLED AS BEN JOHNS HEADS BACK TO VIETNAM FOR MB HANOI CUP
| March 3, 2026
MB Hanoi Cup (April 1-5) is building into a blockbuster start to the PPA Tour Asia 2026 calendar. The star power is lining up to land on the courts in Vietnam’s capital – and it’s set to be the biggest field of PPA Pros ever assembled in Asia.
Ben Johns headlines the player list, locking in the world’s best for the action. The World No.1 in both Men’s and Mixed Doubles is returning to familiar territory having competed at the MB Vietnam Cup in 2025. Johns brings over 180 PPA gold medals to his name and will be looking to add more hardware in Hanoi.
The lineup is running deep with Johns teaming up with Gabriel Tardio in Men’s Doubles. The top two ranked duo in the world will have both fans and players on high alert.
Tardio will be making his Asia debut at the MB Hanoi Cup, joining Hayden Patriquin, Alix Truong, Federico Staksrud, Anna Bright, Dylan Frazier, Tyra Black, and more among the PPA Pros set to kick off the 2026 calendar.
With excitement building around the event, MB Bank is back to be part of the region’s pickleball momentum. This marks MB’s third time as a PPA Tour Asia title sponsor, furthering their commitment to bringing world-class pickleball experiences to Vietnam.
Building on its commitment to fostering active lifestyles, MB officially introduces “MB Priority Connected,” a specialized customer identity designed for the modern, health-conscious community. By bridging tailored financial solutions with exclusive sports experiences, MB Priority Connected offers members an integrated ecosystem that includes specialized pickleball injury insurance, investment products, and premium banking services. Qualified members gain elite access to the PPA Tour, featuring priority ticketing, VIP hospitality, and private clinics with world-class athletes. This initiative transforms traditional banking into a value-driven lifestyle partnership, where financial security meets international-standard experiential rewards. Find out more here.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Viet Nga – Marketing Director of Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MB), shared:
“MB’s continued partnership with PPA Asia 1000 – MB Hanoi Cup 2026 is not only a continuation of cooperation, but also a reaffirmation of our long-term commitment to the health and happiness of our customers and the community.
Pickleball is a highly connective sport that brings positive energy to society. Through the tournament, MB wishes to offer Vietnamese fans the opportunity to directly witness world legends compete, while inspiring physical training and nurturing a spirit of connection.
For MB Priority customers, ‘Connection’ is not merely a message, but a consistent action orientation. We aspire for more customers not only to use MB’s services, but to choose to become part of the MB Priority community — where connection is built on a foundation of trust, health, and meaningful experiences that bring happiness to each customer. MB believes that the sustainable development of a financial institution must be closely linked to the quality of life of its customers and the shared prosperity of society.”
Kimberly Koh, Managing Director UPA Asia, added: “Bringing legends like Ben Johns and Anna Bright to Hanoi is a testament to the incredible momentum of pickleball in Asia. At PPA Tour Asia, our goal has always been to deliver an international standard of competition that inspires local players. With the support of MB Bank and our host New Sports, we’ve elevated the fan experience to new heights, from the intensity on the Championship Court to the exclusive hospitality of the MB Priority Lounge. This is more than a cup; it’s a celebration of the community and the elite athleticism that defines PPA Tour Asia.”
For those wanting to be part of the action on the courts, pro and amateur registration closes March 9. Every registered player will receive a limited edition pin featuring the 2026 medal design, giving every pickler a chance to take home a piece of the podium before stepping on it.
Action is set to go down at the My Dinh Indoor Athletics Arena from April 1-5. Valuable PPA Ranking points at stake, with the PPA Asia 1000 event also bringing up to US$300,000 in prize money.
Be sure to sign up for the PPA Tour Asia fan email and follow on social media to stay up to date and not miss out on new player announcements, ticket offers and news.
