Au Japan, we have just put an end to 4th championships of the highest category. And it's a surprise with the victory of challengers in both men and women.

Japan Padel Association touched the stars this weekend with the great success of the All Japan Padel Dunlop Cup, celebrated from March 19 to 21, 2021 in the city of Harenochi Hare Chiba (2 indoor courts and 2 outdoor tracks).

The 24 men's pairs and the 16 women's pairs best ranked in the national ranking table played matches that will remain in the history of Japanese padel. In both the men's and women's competitions, two pairs were looking for their fourth track of “Undefeated Master”… But the outsiders did not let them do it!

Indeed, on the men's side, the final of the year 2020 was repeated between Kazuki Tomita / Asier Gago Martinez and Shungo Kusakabe and Leon Taira. This time the challengers Kusakabe / Taira imposed themselves 2-6 6-3 6-2. They have their revenge with this victory!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiIr4pVcj7w

On the women's side, the revelation pair Rina Fujiwara / Kotomi Ozawa faced 2020 unbeaten Miki Chinen and Maiko Kutsuna. A beautiful final won, also by the challenger pair on the score of 6-2 6-4.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwICmjZWGCU

For both men and women, new “Maestros” and “Maestras” were born. A little renewal which shows that Japanese padel rises to the highest level.

During the award ceremony, Yoichi Takahashi, Honorary President of the Japanese Association of Padel, but also the creator of Olive and Tom (Captain Tsubasa in Japanese) was present. He particularly highlighted the great progress in the game as well as the development of Japanese padel which continues to gain in practitioners.

Congratulations to the champions

It should be noted that due to the pandemic, the fourth edition of this All Japan Padel Dunlop Cup took place behind closed doors. Only players and teams of the Japanese Association of Padel were allowed to enter the compound. The application of sanitary measures has been entrusted to a local company. Difficult conditions but despite everything well received by the participants who showed a lot of respect for the protocol.

Live matches

All official matches were broadcast live on the YouTube channel official from Japan Padel association.

During these finals, more than 300 people attended the broadcast live. Today, more than 50 views, a real record and a source of pride for the Japanese.

President's words

As president, koji nakatsuka is very satisfied: “I want to do my best so that padel grows even more in Japan and the Asia-Pacific continent. In just five years we have been able to reach this level, and I am always aware that there is still a lot of work to do. But today I want to enjoy this historic moment. Thank you very much to all those who continue to support us in the development of the sport that we love so much.”

Julien Bondia

Julien Bondia is a padel teacher in Tenerife (Spain). Columnist and advisor, he helps you play better through his tutorials and articles on padel tactics/techniques.