MLP Asia Kicks Off Inaugural Season With THE DOTS TOKYO Hosting Opening Night
Every league has a first night. MLP Asia’s begins on Friday, 13 November 2026, in Tokyo, where THE DOTS TOKYO have the honour of hosting the first match day in league history. The stage is Sansan Pickleball Court Ikebukuro, and the evening brings two matches, a lot of new partnerships and the first points of the season.
The Schedule
- Match 1: THE DOTS TOKYO vs Manila Helios
- Match 2: THE DOTS TOKYO vs Malayan Stripes
Play starts at 6:00 p.m. in Tokyo (GMT+9). In other countries, the matches begin as follows:
| Country | Time Zone | 6:00 p.m. Game | 7:30 p.m. Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philippines | GMT+8 | 5:00 p.m. | 6:30 p.m. |
| Hong Kong | GMT+8 | 5:00 p.m. | 6:30 p.m. |
| Singapore | GMT+8 | 5:00 p.m. | 6:30 p.m. |
| China | GMT+8 | 5:00 p.m. | 6:30 p.m. |
| Taiwan | GMT+8 | 5:00 p.m. | 6:30 p.m. |
| Vietnam | GMT+7 | 4:00 p.m. | 5:30 p.m. |
| Laos | GMT+7 | 4:00 p.m. | 5:30 p.m. |
| India | GMT+5:30 | 2:30 p.m. | 4:00 p.m. |
How a Match Works
Each match runs through four games: Women’s Doubles, Men’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles 1, and Mixed Doubles 2. Every game is a single game to 11, so fast starts matter. All four are played, and if the match is level at 2-2, a DreamBreaker decides it.
New Partners, Opening-Night Nerves
The rosters were set at the drafts in September, which means many of Friday’s pairings will play together for the first time. How quickly they gel could decide both matches. As a rule, the team that settles first will have the edge.
THE DOTS TOKYO: Home Court, Home Crowd
The hosts have plenty of PPA Tour Asia experience. Captain Yuta Funemizu is the anchor, ranked No. 17 in the world in doubles and winning 75 percent of his doubles matches on PPA Tour Asia.
The women’s side is where THE DOTS TOKYO look most dangerous. Rika Fujiwara has two PPA Tour Asia singles titles and a 72.7 percent singles win rate on the tour, while Aiko Yoshitomi and Mihae Kwon give the home team real depth. Nasa Hatakeyama and Daniel Moore round out the roster. Regular PNA readers may remember Moore, the American-born, Japan-raised former national champion who became pickleball’s ambassador in Japan.
Manila Helios: Nothing to Lose
Manila Helios arrive with plenty to prove. Seina Shima is their highest-ranked player, with Mayu Ito alongside her. Captain Kim Saraza, Macy Ybañez, Jacob Diago and lefty Muhammad Aiman complete a squad that will be chasing the first upset of the season. For Philippine fans, Ybañez will be a familiar name after her run with Team Asia International at the Nations Cup.
Malayan Stripes: Firepower on Paper
On paper, Malayan Stripes bring the most firepower. Lacy Schneemann is the highest-ranked player in Tokyo at No. 11 in the world, and Eunggwon Kim isn’t far behind at No. 23. Kim has been a fixture on PPA Tour Asia, winning 63 percent of his 152 matches and close to 70 percent in doubles.
Xiao Yi Wang-Beckvall adds more PPA Tour Asia experience, while captain Jimmy Liong, Syed Uzair and Athilla Miasara lead the domestic core.
On Paper, It’s Close
Going by average World Pickleball Rankings, Malayan Stripes arrive as favourites at No. 74. THE DOTS TOKYO sit at No. 129, and Manila Helios at No. 286.
Look at each team’s top four only and it tightens up. Malayan Stripes average No. 41, THE DOTS TOKYO No. 43, and Manila Helios No. 208. But with new partnerships and first-night nerves, chemistry could count for more than rankings.
If It Goes to a DreamBreaker
A DreamBreaker is decided in singles, which suits the hosts. Fujiwara, Kwon, Yoshitomi and Hatakeyama are all ranked inside the world’s top 33 in singles, and Hatakeyama is the one to watch on the men’s side, with a PPA Tour Asia singles silver to his name.
Malayan Stripes can answer with Schneemann, Kim and captain Jimmy Liong, all inside the singles top 55. Manila Helios will lean on Shima.
How to Watch
Find broadcast details on MLP Asia’s website. First match, first home crowd, first points of MLP Asia history: it’s going to get loud.
