SACRAMENTO SWEEP: CAPITAL PERFORMANCE DELIVERS PODIUM HAUL FOR TRAILBLAZERS

Fresh off a medal-laden debut at the Greater Zion Cup, the Trailblazers headed to California’s capital for the Sacramento Open — and delivered another commanding performance. Across five 5.0 skill events and multiple Pro main draws, Asia’s finest continued to make themselves known stateside.

Stepping up in Pro draws

The Trailblazers again earned spots in Pro main draws against the tour’s best, with valuable ranking points and experience on the line — and this time, they pushed the elite to the limit.

Mihae Kwon produced the highlight of the week in Pro Women’s Singles, taking the opening game off top seed and eventual gold medalist Kate Fahey in the Round of 32 before falling 11-9, 1-11, 3-11. It was a statement performance from Kwon — the game she took was the only one Fahey dropped in the entire draw.

Tang Nok Yiu also reached the Round of 32 in Women’s Singles Pro. The duo then teamed up in Pro Women’s Doubles to reach the Round of 32 again, alongside fellow Trailblazers Tya Karina Aditya and Anni Xie. In Pro Men’s Doubles, Syed Uzair and Colin Wong also made inroads in the bracket and fought their way to the Round of 32.

Another standout moment came in the Pro Men’s Singles draw, where Colin Wong drew Ben Johns in the Round of 64. It was a marquee matchup and while it went in straight games to Johns, it was a huge experience builder for Wong.

Divisional domination

It was in the 5.0 skill events that the Trailblazers took over the podium.

The singles events showcased the depth of talent in the Trailblazers squad. Tang Nok Yiu claimed gold in the Women’s Singles 5.0, with Mihae Kwon taking silver. UPA Asia Rising Star Yunqi He added a bronze to round out a strong Asian presence on the podium.

In the Men’s Singles 5.0, Syed Uzair earned silver and Colin Wong took bronze — continuing the pair’s consistent showing across the US immersion.

The medals didnt stop with the doubles.

Julian Chow and Dang Ngo paired up to win Men’s Doubles 5.0 gold, with Colin Wong and Syed Uzair claiming silver. In Women’s Doubles 5.0, Tang Nok Yiu and Mihae Kwon took gold, while Tya Karina Aditya and Anni Xie secured silver.

The Mixed Doubles 5.0 delivered another strong haul: Tya Karina Aditya and Julian Chow won gold, Anni Xie and Dang Ngo took silver, and Tang Nok Yiu and Colin Wong earned bronze.

Eyes on Atlanta

The Trailblazers won’t have long to savour their Sacramento success. Next up is the Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships from April 27 to May 3 where there will be 2,000 PPA ranking points are on the line and the biggest names in the sport will be in attendance.

About the UPA Asia Trailblazers Program

The UPA Asia Trailblazers Program identifies and develops Asia’s most talented pickleball athletes through fully funded immersions in the United States. Trailblazers receive two-year UPA Asia Pro Contracts to compete on PPA Tour Asia, world-class coaching, media training, and the opportunity to compete on the Carvana PPA Tour alongside the sport’s best.