The Major League format has made its way across continents, all the way to Australia, and it's in full swing this 2024!

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The past September 19th, Major League Australia (MLPA) celebrated their Championship Event. This attracted record crowds and has been praised as the most thrilling showcase of pickleball ever seen in the country. Bringing together top teams from across Asia, the team South East Asia Surge made history, claiming victory in Event One of Season Two of the MLP Australia on the Gold Coast.

Team Surge delivered an unforgettable performance, ultimately triumphing over the highly-rated Fast Fours in a nail-biting championship final. The journey to the teams championship title was not without challenges.where the team South East Asia Surge made history, claiming victory in Event One of Season Two of the MLP Australia on the Gold Coast.

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In the semifinals, the Surge faced the formidable Western Vipers, a team filled with talent and featuring international star Shelby Bates and Australian rising star Emilia Schmidt. The Vipers, known for their strategic gameplay and relentless energy, put up a fierce resistance. Bates impressed with her powerful attack and precise shots, while Schmidt dazzled with her quick reflexes and court coverage, joined by the strong play of Ryan ‘Ryno’ Henry and Andy Horridge. It was the Vipers' first appearance in the semifinals, but ultimately, the Surge’s teamwork and resilience prevailed, resulting in a hard-fought 3-1 victory.

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The final score stood at 3-1 in favor of the Surge.

• Game one: Surge (Hsieh/Kao) 21 def 14 Fours (Wei/Truluck)
• Game two: Fours (Wall/Pascoe) 25 def 23 Surge (Chan/Lazaro)
• Game three: Surge (Lazaro/Kao) 21 def 14 Fours (Wei/Wall)
• Game four: Surge (Chan/Hsieh) 21 def 15 Fours (Pascoe/Truluck)
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Kao celebrated her team’s determination and focus, stating,

“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.”

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Continue reading the article on MLPA's Official Website.
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More about MLP Australia

Major League Pickleball (MLPA), is Australia's official professional pickleball league! With a commitment to showcasing elite talent and promoting the sport, MLPA operates in partnership with the Pickleball Australia Association, the governing body for pickleball in the country. Together, they shine a spotlight on top players, teams, and exhilarating events.

The excitement is ramping up for 2024 as MLPA and PPA Tour Australia (PPAA) announced a thrilling calendar of six events featuring a staggering prize purse of $700,000. This season promises to be a landmark year for professional pickleball across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.

But that’s just the beginning! In 2025, Major League Pickleball is set to level up even further. Get ready for a season packed with six major events categorized into three tiers: Premier, Challenger, and Masters. With an impressive total of over $1 million in prize money — with MLPA contributing more than $640,000 and the PPA Tour Australia adding another $400,000 — the stakes have never been higher!

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Check out the current team rankings and standings for MLPA HERE.

Watch MLP Australia on MLPA's official YouTube Channel!

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