MLP in Australia Steals the Show with Record Crowds: The Major League format has officially landed on Australian shores, bringing with it a wave of excitement and competition that has captured the nation. On September 19th, Major League Australia (MLPA) celebrated its Championship Event, attracting crowds and earning accolades as “the most electrifying display of pickleball ever witnessed in Australia.” With fans on the edge of their seats, the tournament showed top players from across Asia, culminating in a dramatic showdown on the beautiful Gold Coast.
South East Asia Surge Wins Over Western Vipers
The South East Asia Surge made history by claiming victory in Event One of Season Two of the MLP Australia. Their journey to the championship title, however, was no walk in the park. In the semifinals, they faced off against the formidable team of Western Vipers brimming with talent, including international star Shelby Bates and Australian rising star Emilia Schmidt.
Bates’s powerful attacks and Schmidt’s dazzling reflexes were on full display, pushing the Surge to their limits. Despite the team Vipers’ relentless energy and strategic gameplay, the Surge’s teamwork and resilience shone through. They secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory, showcasing their determination to succeed.
Championship Showdown
The final was a nail-biting affair against the highly-rated Fast Fours team. The match unfolded with thrilling intensity, each game a testament to the skill and strategy of both teams. The final score stood at 3-1 in favor of the Surge, with standout performances that kept everyone on their feet:
- Game one: Surge (Hsieh/Kao) 21 defeated Fours (Wei/Truluck) 14
- Game two: Fours (Wall/Pascoe) 25 defeated Surge (Chan/Lazaro) 23
- Game three: Surge (Lazaro/Kao) 21 defeated Fours (Wei/Wall) 14
- Game four: Surge (Chan/Hsieh) 21 defeated Fours (Pascoe/Truluck) 15
Kao, reflecting on the championship, expressed her pride in the team’s effort.
“We knew it would be a tough match against Liz and Jamie (Ting Chieh Wei), who had been in great form leading up to the final. But our team believed in each other and played with heart. This win means everything to us.” – (kao)
A Promising Future
MLPA isn’t just stopping at this landmark event. As the league gears up for 2024, the excitement continues to build with a thrilling calendar of six events and a staggering prize purse of $700,000. Major League Pickleball, in partnership with the Pickleball Australia Association, is committed to showing elite skills and promoting the sport across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.
Looking ahead to 2025, fans can expect an even more ambitious season with six major events categorized into Premier, Challenger, and Masters tiers. With over $1 million in prize money on the line—$640,000 from MLPA and $400,000 from the PPA Tour Australia—the stakes have never been higher.
News in Brief: MLP in Australia Steals the Show with Record Crowds
The Major League Australia Championship Event on September 19th drew crowds and was hailed as the most thrilling pickleball showcase in Australia. The South East Asia Surge made history by defeating the Fast Fours 3-1 in the final. Team Surge won over team Western Vipers in the semifinals, showing their teamwork and resilience. As the league gears up for 2024, enthusiasts can look forward to six events with a total prize purse of $700,000, setting the stage for a landmark year in professional pickleball.
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