Does This New Camera Angle Exonerate Zane from Vietnam Hooking Allegations?

'It's hard not to be upset when people are delegitimizing an incredible win and there's clear evidence out there,' he said.

In a raucous semifinal match at the PPA MB Vietnam Cup in Da Nang, underdogs Zane Navratil and Armaan Bhatia were able to upset tournament favorites Ben Johns and Dekel Bar, 11-4, 8-11, 13-11.

It was a thrilling match, and no doubt helped set the stage for what would be World Record turnout during Finals day the following day, Saturday, Oct. 4.

It was a highlight victory in Zane's long and illustrious pro pickleball career. And certainly a standout moment for his partner, Armaan, who had just signed a UPA contract two months prior.

It was also a win mired in controversy.

The game-winning point came off Dekel's return of Armaan's serve, which sailed long and landed perilously close to the baseline in front of Zane.

For anyone watching the broadcast, the camera angle was behind Zane's back. It was really hard to see precisely where the ball landed.

Zane made light of the moment in a recent video:

But wait. Not so fast.

Zane did indeed call the ball out immediately. And both Ben and Dekel did seem to protest. But the on-court referees confirmed the call. And that was that. Game and match go to Zane and Armaan.

Since then, Zane has faced a mini firestorm of online accusations of "hooking" – meaning he intentionally called the ball out when he, a) wasn't sure, or b) thought it was actually in.

But a new camera angle has emerged that seems to exonerate him entirely. Based on this footage, the ball clearly lands out.

"In my defense, it's hard not to be upset when people are delegitimizing an incredible win and there's clear evidence out there," he said.

You be the judge – in or out?