The Vietnamese star and her Dutch partner Roos Van Reek recovered from a set down to defeat Harsh Mehta and Nicola Schoeman 17–21, 21–9, 21–11 in the mixed doubles final, turning an uneasy opening set into a commanding finish. For Ly, it marked a long-awaited breakthrough after two previous near-misses, while for Van Reek it sealed a remarkable Triple Crown after already claiming both the women’s singles and women’s doubles titles before the final.
Key Takeaways from the Mixed Doubles Final
- Hoang Nam Ly and Roos Van Reek secured mixed doubles gold at the 2026 Asia Open.
- The formidable duo orchestrated a stunning comeback victory, winning 17-21, 21-9, 21-11.
- Van Reek achieved a historic Triple Crown, dominating women's singles and doubles as well.
- Ly finally captured gold after two silver finishes, overcoming immense pressure in a high-stakes final.
A Shaky Start: First Set Drama Unfolds
The 2026 Asia Open mixed doubles final began with palpable tension. Early in the first set, a pivotal moment arrived with the score knotted at 10-10. A disputed 'out' call by Ly was overturned by the referee upon review, awarding the point to Harsh Mehta and Nicola Schoeman.
This decision ignited their momentum, as the opposing pair pushed ahead with newfound confidence. Mehta and Schoeman capitalized on the turn of events, ultimately closing out the set 21-17. The pressure was firmly on Ly and Van Reek.
The Turnaround: A Surge of Unstoppable Power
Trailing by a set, Ly and Van Reek emerged for the second with a completely different mindset. Their play became aggressive, precise, and utterly relentless. They erased the memory of the first set's drama, imposing their will on Mehta and Schoeman.
The scoreboard reflected their dominance, as they stormed to a 21-9 victory. This emphatic performance leveled the match and decisively shifted all momentum in their favor. The crowd could feel the tide turning.
Sealing the Deal: Van Reek's Triple Crown & Ly's Redemption
The deciding third set was a testament to the winners' unwavering focus and elevated play. Mehta and Schoeman visibly faltered under the intense pressure, accumulating errors as Ly and Van Reek continued to raise their game to another level.
With the championship point at 20-11, Mehta's shot into the net sealed the deal, giving Ly and Van Reek a resounding 21-11 final set win. It was a comprehensive victory that showcased their superior skill and mental fortitude.
This victory was more than just a gold medal; it was a defining moment for both athletes. For Roos Van Reek, it completed an astonishing Triple Crown at the 2026 Asia Open, adding mixed doubles gold to her earlier triumphs in women's singles and women's doubles. An undefeated run, a truly legendary performance.
For Hoang Nam Ly, the gold medal was a sweet vindication. After securing two silver medals earlier in the tournament, he rose to the occasion in the most high-stakes match, proving his clutch factor when it mattered most. What a way to finish a spectacular tournament!
