Leapmotor Kuala Lumpur Cup 2026: Gabe Tardio, Noe Khlif Duo Headline Top Seeds of PPA Asia 1000 Event
Two Weeks Ago They Were Rivals. Now They’re Kuala Lumpur’s Top Seeds.
Rivalries in pickleball have a funny habit of turning into partnerships rather quickly, and Kuala Lumpur is about to host the latest proof of that. Gabriel Tardio and Noe Khlif were on opposite sides of the net at the MLP Finals in New York a fortnight ago—a match Khlif’s side won. Now they’re paired together as the No. 1 seed in Men’s Doubles at the Leapmotor Kuala Lumpur Cup 2026, with the full seeds and player lists confirmed this week.
Tardio arrives with plenty to defend. Ranked World No. 2 overall, the Bolivian tops both the Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles seedings at this PPA Asia 1000 stop, already carrying an Asia title from earlier in the year at the MB Hanoi Cup. Kuala Lumpur marks his first appearance in Malaysia, and given his recent form, he’s not showing up simply to make up the numbers. Khlif, for his part, steps onto the Asia circuit for the very first time riding a fresh MLP title—hardly the quiet debut most players get.
A Field Stacked With International Pedigree
The strength in depth doesn’t stop with the top seed. Augustus Ge, ranked World No. 21, also makes his Asia debut, slotting in at #2 in Men’s Doubles alongside Len Yang. It’s a genuinely significant get for the tournament, adding another internationally ranked name to a bracket that’s rapidly filling with players who’ve never previously competed on this side of the world.
The women’s draw carries its own weight too. Kaitlyn Christian heads the Women’s Singles seeds with results that already speak for her Malaysian form—gold in Women’s Singles at the Panas Malaysia Cup 2025, followed by a final appearance at the MB Hanoi Cup this year. Alix Truong returns to Malaysia off the back of a strong showing earlier this year at the Panas Kuala Lumpur Open, and women’s World No. 11 Chao Yi Wang rounds out a genuinely formidable top tier, adding further firepower to an already stacked field.
With names of this calibre converging on a single venue, the brackets—due out shortly—should make for a genuinely tricky read heading into the tournament.
Getting In on the Action
Tickets are already on sale, with something for every level of fan. Single-day Banger and Dinker general admission covers the casual crowd, while the VIP Lounge and front-row Premium Courtside seats cater to those wanting to get properly close to the action. Five-day season passes are also available for anyone planning to be there for the whole week, and every ticket tier includes access to Pickletown, the festival zone running throughout the tournament with food, games, giveaways, and exclusive merchandise.
The Leapmotor Kuala Lumpur Cup 2026 runs from 9 to 13 September at The Hood in Kuala Lumpur, with up to USD $300,000 in prize money and 1,000 ranking points on the line.
