Sixteen-year-old Vietnamese-American pickleball player Rex Thais has decided to live in Vietnam and develop a professional career. He plans to make his final junior-event appearance at the PPA Hong Kong Slam on October 19–25, while also entering professional mixed doubles. His longer-term ambitions include competing in Vietnam and establishing an academy for children. A stated wish to represent Vietnam remains an aspiration rather than confirmation that national-team eligibility has been established.