ahm NPL '26 - Div 2 Round 1 Recap

April 25, 2026  ·  VIC · NSW · QLD · NZ  ·  24 Matches

Division 2 delivered. Across four conferences and twenty-four matches, the stories were already writing themselves — a juggernaut emerging in VIC, a Bandicoots side that doesn't seem to need its stars, and a new NZ conference that announced itself loudly. Here's everything that mattered from Rounds 1 and 2.

Victoria

The 29ers Juggernaut

This team might be the one to beat in Div 2. "Ryan Squared" have formed a formidable gendered doubles combination, Nicole Mullen continues to push her case for a Pro Tour call-up, and the relatively unknown Samantha Chan announced herself as a genuine force — winning both her singles ties on debut. Two rounds in, the 29ers look a class apart.

Tide's Statement Win

One of the biggest upsets of the opening weekend. The Tide, led by captain Brandan Lai, stunned the highly-rated Adders 5-0. Lai led from the front, and Chau Vo and Louis Duckworth fed off that energy throughout. If you had the Adders pencilled in as a VIC contender, Round 1 was a reality check.

Lucas Vuradin Has Arrived

A former top-850 singles player in the world in tennis, Vuradin had never played a competitive pickleball match. He was down 14-5 at the change of ends against Ryan Lee. Then something shifted. He came back to win 17-15 in what many are already calling the greatest comeback in Division 2 history. The story of the weekend — maybe the story of the season.

Rangers Battled Hard

With Emily Martin called up to the Pro Tour and captain Liam Lamb carrying an injury cloud, the Rangers were up against it before a ball was struck. Big performances from Chanchai and Ash weren't enough in the end — but this group has plenty left in the tank. Expect a very different Rangers side when they're back at full strength.

New South Wales

No Walters, No De Vivo — No Problem

With captain Walters and wildcard Nick De Vivo both absent due to prior commitments, the Bandicoots could've been forgiven for writing off Round 1. Instead, Tai Tran and James Ip played some exceptional doubles, and stand-in captain Rebecca Wu dominated across all disciplines. The Bandicoots are 2-0 with their two best players still to return. That's a scary thought for the rest of NSW.

Comets Finding Their Feet

The team from Canberra had a rocky start, dropping their first match before finding some form in Round 2 with a 4-1 win over the Aggies. Monique Burton was particularly impressive — down 8-4 in singles, she turned it around to win 15-10. Burton is one to watch as the season develops.

Fresh Faces in the Heat

Dat Pham and Cathy Hoang made their NPL debut and made it count. Both showed strong doubles play and improving singles form. The Heat have the depth to go deep this season.

NSW Is Tight

The Aggies are the only NSW side without a win after Round 1 — but with captain Ally Havas set to return for Round 2, expect a swift response. This conference has no easy matches. Every round will test every team.

Queensland

Three Teams, No Byes

The Burras, Outback and Setters all remain undefeated through two rounds. The Reef, Opals and Brumbies have work to do — but in a conference this competitive, nothing is settled.

Young Talent Running Amok

The Heather-Pereira sisters, Hala Fitikefu, Mitch Rodgers and Luther Ferris all made an impact in the new NPL format. Fitikefu in particular is one to track — already impressive, and still learning under the guidance of teammate Sueme Rajpal. That combination has serious upside.

Janakiraman's Perfect Day

If you hadn't heard of Sudharshan Janakiraman before Round 1, you have now. Playing for the Burras under captain Grace Sorbello, he won every match he stepped into — singles, gendered doubles, mixed doubles. A flawless day on debut. Matches against the Opals and the undefeated Setters will be the real test for the young gun.

Opals to Rebound

They went 0-2, but don't write them off. This is a team featuring Simmons, Christie, Heather-Pereira and Rodgers — too much quality to stay down. A strong response in Round 2 won't surprise anyone. Keep watching.

New Zealand

Taika Setting the Benchmark

Taika leads the NZ table after a dominant two-round run. Semisi Fanguna and Ela Vakaukamea are delivering elite-level performances and the team looks like the clear favourites in the conference. The inaugural NZ chapter has a frontrunner — and they're making it clear they mean business.

Kōura's Quiet Dominance

Two convincing wins over Kauri and Taniwha. The men's and women's sides both delivered, and Jordan Halliday's athleticism in both doubles and singles stole the spotlight. Kōura are a genuine title threat.

Tuatara's Future Is Now

Down 0-7, young phenom Sophie Hawkes flipped the script with an extraordinary singles comeback before Hikaru Han closed it out to 15. The NZ conference got its first marquee moment — and it came from a teenager refusing to go away. Remember that name.

Standings After Rounds 1 & 2

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Thank You to Our Partners

Round 1 wouldn't happen without the people backing this competition.

• Title Sponsor: ahm Health Insurance

• Official Airline: Vietjet

• Official Wine: Squealing Pig

• Official Seltzer & RTD Vodka: South Ave

• Official Ball: Franklin

• Official Net: Joola

• Official Court: Laykold (APT Asia Pacific)

• Official Rating System: DUPR