Rex Thais of the US clinched the Under-18 Boys’ and Mixed Doubles titles, showcasing his outstanding potential in pickleball doubles at the PPA Tour Asia’s season-opening event at the MB Hanoi Cup on April 6 at My Dinh Indoor Athletics Arena, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Rex secured the U18 Boys’ doubles title alongside Mackonner Dy, as the duo defeated Duc Lam Tran and Hung Nguyen 15-7 in the final to be crowned champions.
Also Read: MB Hanoi Cup: Nam Ly Wins 2nd PPA Tour Asia Title, Kaitlyn Clinches Women’s Singles Crown
Duc and Hung settled for the silver medal in the category, while Hieu Duc and Ngoc Minh Dang claimed the bronze.
Rex once again underlined his doubles prowess in the U18 Mixed Doubles final. Partnering with Minh Ngoc Nguyen, he defeated Huong Dan Linh and Dung Nguyen Vu Anh 15-11 in a nail-biting contest. Minh and Huong settled for silver, while Jolie Lam and Mackonner Dy secured the bronze medal in the category.
After his double podium finish at the MB Hanoi Cup, Rex expressed his delight at achieving the double. “It was another great win especially coming back to the first PPA Tour Asia and for it to be in Vietnam is incredible,” he told Pickleball Now over an Instagram chat.
Also Read: ‘Who Would Have Thought?’: Alshon Stunned by Vietnam’s Pickleball Culture After a Visit to Thang Long Citadel
He also acknowledged the rising level of competition at the junior level, leading to a skewed chasm between rising youngsters and senior pros.
“The competition of the juniors is rising really fast and the gap between these kids and pro is shortening little by little every day,” he observed.
Rex has shared his vision for the year. “This year I will be focusing on playing more high level events and pro qualifiers so to get another win juniors again is amazing. Thanks to my partners and sponsors and parents for their support.”
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