Cover image via PPA AsiaFollow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
The PPA Asia 1000 Leapmotor Kuala Lumpur Cup 2026 has added eight more international and local players to its growing line-up
Headlining the latest announcement is French player Noe Khlif, who recently won the 2026 Major League Pickleball title with the New Jersey 5's.
Khlif will make his Asian debut when the tournament takes place from 9 to 13 September 2026 at The Hood, Kuala Lumpur.
Here are the eight newly confirmed players:
1. Noe Khlif, France
The 28-year-old arrives in Malaysia after helping the New Jersey 5's secure the 2026 Major League Pickleball championship.
2. Kaitlyn Christian, US
Currently ranked world No. 3 in women's singles, the 34-year-old is a multiple-time PPA Asia finalist and champion.
3. Brooke Buckner, US
The women's singles world No. 4 recently finished runner-up at the MB Hanoi Cup 2026, where she made her PPA Tour Asia debut.
4. Augustus "Augie" Ge, US
The 29-year-old left-hander has a PPA title, several finals appearances, and a 2025 Major League Pickleball championship to his name.
5. Len Yang, US
The 22-year-old returns to Malaysia after winning the men's doubles title at the Malaysia 500 Open. He is currently ranked world No. 21.
6. Rika Fujiwara, Japan
The former professional tennis player and French Open doubles semifinalist has since won multiple PPA Asia women's singles titles.|
7. Nasa Hatakeyama, Japan
The 29-year-old reached the men's singles final at the Panas Kuala Lumpur Open after progressing through the qualifying rounds.
8. Athilla Miasara Azizul Azhar, Malaysia
A 2025 UPA Asia Trailblazer, Athilla is Malaysia's highest-ranked seed on the world stage and FILA's first Southeast Asian pickleball ambassador.
They join several players who were previously announced
These stars are now set to join international players Gabriel Tardio and Chao Yi Wang, as well as Malaysian representatives Jimmy Liong Kai Long, Syed Uzair Sufi, and Timothy Foo.
The tournament will pit some of the sport's leading international players against Malaysia's top local talent over five days of competition.
Fans can purchase tickets to watch the matches at The Hood here
The tournament will also be streamed live on Tonton.
