Power Plays & Kiwi Passion: PPA Tour New Zealand Cup Sets the Bar High

A sell out event shows that New Zealanders are going crazy for Pro Pickleball

The PPA Tour made its highly anticipated return in Aotearoa with the 2025 PPA Tour New Zealand Pickleball Cup, held from April 24–27 at the TotalCoach Tennis Centre in Auckland. Drawing top-tier talent from across New Zealand, Australia, and Asia, the event marked a significant milestone for the growth of competitive pickleball in the region.

Across four action-packed days, professional and Masters athletes battled it out in singles, doubles, and mixed events—showcasing elite skill, tactical excellence, and the spirited community that continues to define the sport’s rise in Oceania.

Pro Division: Rising Stars and Familiar Faces Shine

The Pro Division saw fierce competition across the board, with athletes pushing their limits and delivering standout performances.

Pro Men’s Singles

The Pro Men’s Singles bracket lit up early on, with Japan’s Kenta Miyoshi emerging as a standout. Miyoshi edged past a talented field that included Hong Kit Wong and Lucas Pascoe, both of whom displayed impressive foot speed and creativity. Miyoshi’s consistent baseline play and ability to control pace made the difference in tight matches, cementing his status as one to watch on the PPA circuit.

Pro Women’s Singles

Australia’s Andie Dikosavljevic continued to establish herself as a force on the women’s circuit. After overcoming a strong challenge from Roos van Reek in the final, Dikosavljevic secured gold with her signature blend of aggression and finesse. Danni-Elle Townsend also impressed, claiming bronze and reaffirming her place among the region’s elite.

Pro Men’s Doubles

The Men’s Doubles field delivered some of the weekend’s most exciting matchups. Robert Stirling and Zachary Grabovic proved nearly untouchable, storming their way through the draw with strategic precision and fiery teamwork. They defeated a talented lineup that included Korea’s Kim Eunggwon and Australia’s Joseph Wild. The bronze was capped off by George Wall and Hong Kit Wong.

Pro Women’s Doubles

A star-studded draw in the women’s doubles did not disappoint. Michelle Esquivel paired up with Danni-Elle Townsend, and the chemistry between the duo was evident from the first serve. They overcame tough competition from Roos van Reek / Katy Hart, Sarah Burr / Jamie Haas, displaying smart court positioning and relentless pressure en route to the title.

Pro Mixed Doubles

Mixed doubles proved to be a thrilling showcase of versatility and chemistry. Townsend and Wild combined forces in a gold-medal-winning performance, navigating a challenging bracket that included strong performances from Nicola Schoeman / Mitchell Hargreaves and Sarah Burr / George Wall.

Pro Masters 50+ Division: Experience Meets Excellence

The Masters category brought together the region’s most seasoned competitors, delivering entertaining and strategic matches across all events.

Men’s Singles

In the 50+ Men’s Singles, Tek Tea emerged victorious in a closely contested division, fending off challenges from Jeremy Pearson and Ivan Stride. Tea’s consistency and veteran instincts guided him to the top of the podium.

Women’s Singles

The Women’s Singles (50+) was a round-robin battle that saw Mandy Corbett edge out competition from Simone Kessell Jordan and Terrie Robson. Corbett’s ability to stay composed under pressure earned her the gold.

Men’s Doubles

A thrilling men’s doubles bracket culminated in Daret Gooch and former professional tennis player Andrew Kratzmann taking home the gold. They showcased a well-rounded game that neutralized the offensive firepower of teams like Tek Tea / Mike Newell and Shane Wilson / Damon Curtis.

Women’s Doubles

The duo of Terrie Robson and Angela Bertuleit emerged as champions in the Women’s 50+ Doubles, defeating seasoned opponents including Annie Hawaikirangi / Sharon Gregory and Linda Sleiman / Belinda Crane. Robson and Bertuleit’s defensive resilience and tactical communication were keys to their win.

Mixed Doubles

The 50+ Mixed Doubles bracket was a tightly contested affair, with Belinda Crane and Mike Newell ultimately securing the title. Their poise in crunch moments gave them the edge over formidable pairs such as Naomi Amakawa / Martin Clark and Simone Kessell Jordan / Christian Andrade.

A Regional Milestone and a Promising Future

Tournament Director Matt Hort was quick to praise both the quality of play and the spirit of the athletes involved:

“This event wasn’t just a success—it was a statement,” Hort said. “We witnessed world-class pickleball on Kiwi soil under the PPA banner, and it was inspiring to see players from across the region raise the bar. The growth of pickleball in New Zealand is accelerating, and this weekend showed that our athletes are ready to compete at the highest levels.”

As the PPA Tour continues its expansion in the Southern Hemisphere, one thing is clear: the future of pickleball in this region is bright, and events like Auckland 2025 are just the beginning.

📍 What’s Next for PPA Tour Australia?

The PPA Tour rolls on with more exciting events coming soon. Players can expect new destinations, fierce competition, and even more unforgettable moments on and off the court.

👉 Visit ppatour.com.au for the leaderboard, photo galleries, and upcoming tour dates.

👉 For full event results, visit https://pickleballtournaments.com/ppa-tour-nz