Trailblazers Claim Four Medals at Baton Rouge PPA Challenger
| April 7, 2025
The UPA Asia Trailblazers made a fiery start to their American journey, claiming four medals at the Baton Rouge PPA Challenger in Louisiana.
The tournament attracted over 200 entries and marked the second-ever PPA Challenger, while also serving as the first tour stop for the Asian pickleball talents since arriving in the USA.
China’s Yufei Long dominated the medal count, claiming the Pro Women’s Singles gold medal over fellow Trailblazer Ken Tam of Vietnam with a 12-10, 11-6 win in the final. The two then combined to secure the bronze in the Pro Women’s Doubles.
Long picked up a third medal by teaming with Marco Leung of Macau in the Pro Mixed Doubles to win another bronze.
The Baton Rouge results show early success for the UPA Asia Pickleball Trailblazers program. The initiative brings 12 Asian athletes for a three-month intensive training program in the USA before they earn UPA Asia Touring Contracts for 2025-2026, strengthening Asia’s position in global pickleball.
