Phuc Huynh shocked in game 1, won runner-up in PPA Japan

There was almost an earthquake in Fukuoka city when pickleball player Phuc Huynh came from behind to win 11-8 against Connor Garnett in game 1 at the PPA Asia Japan Open 2025.

Phuc Huynh (left) won 1 game against Connor - Photo: PPA

The PPA Asia Tour men's singles final was awaited by Vietnamese pickleball fans in the early afternoon of August 31. Phuc Huynh met PPA USA's 3rd-ranked player, No. 1 seed Connor Garnett.

Connor was a guest player with a DUPR score of 6,846 (lost to Quang Duong with 6,865). He was Novak Djokovic's "hitting partner" before leaving tennis for pickleball.

Phuc Huynh's opponent reached the finals of 3 events in this tournament including men's singles, men's doubles and mixed doubles. That speaks volumes about the ability and the difference between the two players.

Game 1 was really dramatic when Connor Garnett led 6-1 without much effort. However, Phuc was still in high spirits and turned the situation around from 4-8 with his familiar purple Zocker racket.

The madness started when the 2000-born player hit a series of powerful and dangerous backhands to the side of the court. Phuc Huynh equalized 8-8 and then made it 11-8 when Connor returned the ball outside at the last point.

That was Connor Garnett’s first loss of the tournament. He was almost unbeatable against his Asian opponents. Phuc Huynh really had a moment of inspiration and courage when he won the comeback.

Game 2 belonged to the 1998-born player. Phuc only managed to get to the 3rd point before his opponent "suppressed" him by 11 points. Phuc "timed out" to recover but when he returned, he could not withstand Connor's forehand and backhand drives. It felt like the American player was "warmed up".

Phuc Huynh had an impressive performance for the first time at PPA Asia - Photo: PPA

Phuc Huynh started to lose strength and was no longer accurate. His returns often went out and he missed too many times when serving and returning.

In Game 3, Phuc Huynh had to call time-outs twice at 1-6 and 1-8. However, when his physical strength is down, mistakes are inevitable. The Vietnamese pickleball player kept hitting the net due to exhaustion.

Connor Garnett had 9 championship points when leading 10-1. The class of the top 3 PPA USA player was truly confirmed. Phuc had an interesting experience and deserved the runner-up position.

Connor Garnett praised Phuc Huynh after the match: "The victory was great. Phuc Huynh came out and played the first game very well. I waited for the "storm" to pass and controlled the second game with every point, every second. Phuc made me fight harder to get unbelievable points. It was a great final and very interesting to be on the same court with Phuc."

QUANG THINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/phuc-huynh-gay-soc-game-1-gianh-a-quan-ppa-nhat-ban-20250831142316927.htm