MACAO, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The PPA Asia 500 Macao Open 2026 kicked off on Thursday, marking the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) tour's first event in the Macao Special Administrative Region.

Supported by the SAR's sports bureau, the tournament attracted over 600 players competing for a total prize pool of 70,000 U.S. dollars. Professional champions will get 500 ranking points.

Macao player Marco Leung told Xinhua that the tournament feels like a milestone for both his hometown and his career. Leung, a former tennis player who represented Macao at the Asian Games, transitioned to pickleball in 2024.

"I am incredibly excited and thrilled to represent Macao in a professional tournament held right here at home," Leung said, noting that he currently focuses on full-time training. He expressed hope that the event would increase public interest and spark further investment in Macao's sports landscape.

Organizers said the tournament allowed amateur players to compete alongside professionals. It was expected to help promote international pickleball exchanges and support the development of sports tourism in Macao.

The event runs till Sunday. ■