Northern Crocs Win MLPA New Zealand Cup, Highlight APAC Growth

What's the Score?

The Northern Crocs clinched the championship title at the MLPA New Zealand Cup, defeating the Sydney Smash in the final with a score of 3-1. This victory served to highlight the rising competitive strength of pickleball within the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

Hit it deeper!

The MLPA New Zealand Cup tournament concluded recently with the Northern Crocs, led by Andie Dikosavljevic, securing the championship. They achieved this by overcoming the Sydney Smash in an exciting final match that finished 3-1. This result adds to the increasing reputation of competitive pickleball across the APAC region. Alongside the MLPA Cup, the event also featured the PPA New Zealand Cup, which hosted fierce competition in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories. Several athletes sponsored by JOOLA had notable performances throughout the tournament in these various divisions. Specific gold medal winners in the PPA events included Kenta Miyoshi in Men's Singles, Andie Dikosavljevic in Women's Singles, Rober Stirling & Zachary Grabovic in Men's Doubles, Danni-Elle Townsend & Michelle Esquivel in Women's Doubles, and Danni-Elle Townsend & Joseph (Joey) Wild in Mixed Doubles.

The World Pickleball Verdict

The successful hosting and competitive outcome of the MLPA New Zealand Cup, culminating in the Northern Crocs' victory, provide evidence of the increasing development and intensity of pickleball competition in the Asia-Pacific region. The strong showing by sponsored athletes also points towards growing commercial interest and support for the sport in this part of the world.