Ben Johns and Anna Bright showed their world-class skill on Day 1 of the Panas Malaysia Cup 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The American stars thrilled fans with impressive wins in the early rounds of the PPA Tour Asia event, giving local players and spectators a close look at elite-level pickleball.
Early Smiles Turn Into Serious Play
During Wednesday’s opening session, Ben Johns, Anna Bright, and other visiting pros entertained a packed crowd with trick shots and lighthearted games. Fans enjoyed seeing Anna Bright relaxed and smiling, a rare sight for those used to her intense on-court focus. But when the tournament began, the mood changed. Bright returned to her usual determined self, showing the same fierce focus she displays in the United States.
Dominant Performances in Early Matches
Anna Bright and Roos van Reek cruised through their women’s doubles Round of 16 match with an 11-0, 11-1 victory. In mixed doubles, Ben Johns and Anna Bright won 11-6, 11-0, showing their strong chemistry on court. Fans witnessed Anna Bright’s trademark resets and lightning-fast low drives that skimmed the net again and again.
Ben Johns paired with Christian Alshon in men’s doubles and faced a tough test from Vietnam’s Hien Truong and Quan Do. Johns and Alshon won the first game 11-0 but lost the second 11-9 as the Vietnamese pair fought back. Truong and Do even took an 8-7 lead in the deciding game, putting the crowd in the unusual position of wanting an upset while also hoping to see more of the top Americans in later rounds.
Johns Delivers Under Pressure
With the score tied at 8-8, Ben Johns took control, making clutch plays and finishing the match with a crowd-pleasing around-the-post winner. The GOAT of pickleball wowed spectators with poaches covering most of the court, lightning reactions to speed-ups, and daring flying Ernies that changed shot direction mid-air.
A Treat for Asian Fans
The strong showing from Hien Truong and Quan Do proved that Asian players can compete with the world’s best, while the Americans reminded fans why they are ranked at the top. For local supporters, the chance to watch Ben Johns and Anna Bright in person was a rare opportunity to witness world-class pickleball live.
News in Brief: Ben Johns and Anna Bright
Ben Johns and Anna Bright advanced in the Panas Malaysia Cup 2025 with dominant early wins. Johns and Christian Alshon survived a scare against Vietnam’s Hien Truong and Quan Do, while Bright paired with Roos van Reek for an easy victory. Fans were thrilled by the chance to watch top American pros in action.
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