The PPA Asia 1500, Hang Seng Bank Hong Kong Slam 2026 opened at Kai Tak Arena on Monday (Oct. 19), bringing together 895 players from 22 countries and regions for the largest professional pickleball tournament ever staged in Asia.
Running from Oct. 19 to 25, the tournament features all six highest-ranked men's and women's players in the world and offers a prize purse of up to US$1.1 million, or approximately HK$8.58 million—the largest in Asian professional pickleball history. Winners can also earn 1,500 ranking points.
Among the leading competitors are men's world No. 1 Ben Johns, women's world No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters, Gabriel Tardio and Anna Bright.
HK players are also looking to make their mark. Wong Hong-kit is the No. 7 seed in men's singles, while Tang Nok-yiu will partner Chinese Taipei's Wang Chao-yi as the No. 7 seed in women's doubles.
Kai Tak Arena has been transformed to accommodate 24 pickleball courts for the week-long event. Organized by F-Sports Promotions Limited, with Hang Seng Bank as title sponsor and support from the Hong Kong, China Tennis Association, the tournament is expected to draw international attention to the fast-growing sport.
Qualification rounds began on Oct. 19, with the round of 64 scheduled for Oct. 20. An amateur tournament will also begin on Oct. 20.
Beyond the competition, the event features PICKLETOWN, a free-admission fan zone with themed booths selling pickleball equipment and official merchandise. Visitors can also take part in autograph sessions with players.
Tickets are available through HK Ticketing.
Related News:
Zheng Qinwen withdraws from Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026 due to injury
Comment