Spanish stars dominate Hong Kong padel finals, eyeing Olympic Games inclusion
Victorious pairs anticipating Asian challenge to supremacy, hail sport’s inclusion in 2026 Asian Games in Japan
Spanish partnerships claimed both major titles from the FIP Bronze tournament in Hong Kong on Sunday, before they tipped their Asian rivals to start challenging them on the European padel circuit.
Patricia Araus Lopez secured her second success in the city, joining debutant Cristina Carrascosa Cazorla to claim the women’s crown at Go Park Sai Sha. In the men’s division, Pablo Reina Ambel and Hector Vazquez Lopez shared their first success together.
Intense sun and gusty winds added a layer of uncertainty to the showpiece matches, as Lopez and Cazorla beat Carmen Acoitia Mazo of Spain and Great Britain’s Catherine Rose 6-3, 6-1 in 68 minutes.
“I’m feeling really happy, really grateful to be in Hong Kong, winning my second FIP here... So happy, I have no words,” said the 21-year-old Araus Lopez, attributing the success to her partnership’s mental resilience in difficult outdoor conditions.
“It’s so windy, but we played so good ... so solid,” she said.
The 21-year-old noted that padel is evolving from a casual hobby into a professional sport, requiring focus on fitness and tactics. “That effort, maybe, can go to [being included in the] Olympics,” Araus Lopez said.