Good morning pickleballers!
Another week is upon us - meaning we have all the weekend's pickleball news to bring you in today's World Pickleball Report.
My own weekend pickleball was spent playing in the Diadem Cardiff Open in Wales - let us know in the comment what pickleball you got to play and how it went.
World Pickleball Magazine journalist Joe James has his verdict on the PWR delay in India - you can read what he thinks about it here.
And I have all the news from the last few days, below.
Planning Hurdles Can't Stop Peterborough Pickleball Dream as Jordan Seeks Full Approval
Undeterred by initial setbacks, Alan Jordan, the driving force behind Padel Peterborough, is pressing forward with his vision to bring eight new padel and pickleball courts to the city. Jordan has applied for full planning permission to transform four currently unused tennis courts adjacent to Stanground Academy into a state-of-the-art facility featuring five padel courts and three smaller pickleball courts.
This move comes after the local council refused an initial Lawful Development Certificate, stating that the proposed development exceeded limitations and required full planning permission due to hard surfacing work. However, Jordan remains optimistic, emphasizing the potential benefits for the community. He believes the new courts will make these enjoyable sports more affordable and accessible to the general public, noting that many enthusiasts in the area currently lack dedicated playing spaces.
The plans outline a straightforward construction with simple metal frames and polycarbonate sheets forming the courts, complemented by mesh upper sections to contain high balls. The existing clubhouse will provide essential toilets and welfare facilities, and players are expected to arrive ready to play, negating the need for changing rooms. Jordan's commitment to an "affordable project" signals a significant step towards establishing Peterborough as a local hub for both padel and the rapidly growing sport of pickleball.
Comeback King: Alshon Battles Past Vich in Three-Set Victory for Maiden Crown
Christian Alshon etched his name in the pickleball history books at the Veolia Cape Coral Open presented by Proton, securing his first career singles title on the PPA Tour in a thrilling comeback victory over No. 6 seed Jaume Martinez Vich. The final showdown on Championship Sunday saw Alshon overcome an early deficit to claim the crown with a score of 8-11, 11-3, 11-6.
Martinez Vich started strong, taking the first game with deep serves and winners at the kitchen line. However, the 24-year-old Alshon demonstrated resilience, storming back in the second game by adding shape to his returns, disrupting Vich's serve. The deciding third game saw Alshon seize control, jumping to an 8-3 lead thanks to four missed returns from his opponent, a lead he would not relinquish.
For Alshon, this victory was particularly sweet. Having previously reached three singles finals without success, the title felt like it had long eluded him. Overwhelmed with emotion, Alshon’s celebration mirrored that of a tennis grand slam champion. Reflecting on his win, Alshon noted, "The title eluded me for so long that it felt like I couldn’t win, but Florida is my home state, so it's awesome to win it here". This maiden victory marks a significant milestone for the determined player.
Dynamic Duo Strikes Again: Waters and Johns Conquer Cape Coral Mixed Doubles
The powerhouse pairing of Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns reaffirmed their dominance in mixed doubles, clinching the crown at the Veolia Cape Coral Open presented by Proton after a hard-fought battle against No. 2 seeds Anna Bright and JW Johnson. The top-seeded duo emerged victorious with a 4-11, 13-11, 11-7, 7-11, 11-5 win, showcasing their resilience after dropping the first game.
Bright and Johnson started strong, effectively countering Waters’ speedups, and Johnson’s slice dinks caused confusion. However, Waters and Johns fought back to win the second game, leveling the match. After splitting the next two games, the final set saw Waters and Johns at their peak, scoring the last six points to secure the title.
Despite the victory, Johns acknowledged the strong performance of the new pairing of Bright and Johnson, stating, "All due credit to JW and Anna. It’s a first-time partnership that clearly works very well. That was an incredible match with really great points, so congrats to them". This win marked a return to the top for Waters and Johns after taking bronze in Mesa a few weeks prior. Both players were set to compete in further finals later the same day.
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You like reading about pickleball if you have got this far.
So have you seen the latest issue of the World Pickleball Magazine?
In issue #2, we go behind the scenes at the World Pickleball League which was held last month in India - six teams went head-to-head in the biggest pickleball show on Earth to date, over 10m people watching it on TV. We have exclusive interviews with the people who made it happen - founders, owners, coaches, players and commentators.
The World Pickleball Magazine also brings you all the news from the previous month, stories from Europe, APAC, Africa and more, a future star to watch out for, our pioneers section and a whole chunk of the magazine dedicated to drills and bits to improve your game.
Download your digital copy for just £5 today by clicking below.
Daescu's Golden Touch Continues: Third Straight Doubles Title with Johns in Cape Coral
Andrei Daescu continued his remarkable streak in men's doubles, securing his third consecutive PPA tournament title at the Veolia Cape Coral Open presented by Proton. This time, he partnered with Ben Johns, and the top-seeded duo dominated their opponents, Federico Staksrud and Christian Alshon, with an emphatic 11-2, 11-7, 11-1 victory.
Despite this being their first tournament together, Johns and Daescu displayed seamless teamwork. They effectively countered their opponents' speedups and forced numerous volley errors with their baseline drives. Overcoming an early 1-5 deficit in the second game was the only minor challenge they faced.
What makes Daescu's achievement even more notable is his adaptability. Both he and Johns typically play on the left side with other partners, requiring Daescu to step into a new role on the right. Reflecting on this, Daescu stated, "It was a new partnership and a fun challenge this week because we both play the left side... but I feel like I adapted pretty well. Obviously, playing alongside Ben makes it very easy". Johns lauded Daescu's performance and versatility, emphasizing the pleasure of playing alongside such a competitor. While their future partnership remains uncertain, this dominant victory in their debut together is a testament to their individual skills and collaborative potential.
Undefeated Streak Continues: Waters and Parenteau Sweep to Cape Coral Women's Doubles Title
The formidable partnership of Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau continued their dominant run in women's doubles, securing their fourth title of the 2025 season at the Veolia Cape Coral Open presented by Proton. The top seeds swept past No. 2 seeds Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher with a decisive 13-11, 11-7, 11-5 victory, maintaining their undefeated streak against this particular duo.
While the final result was a straight-game win, Bright and Rohrabacher certainly presented a challenge. They held four game points in the opening set and established an early 4-1 lead in the second game. However, Waters and Parenteau demonstrated their resilience, buckling down in crucial moments to secure both games and ultimately the match.
Reflecting on their successful partnership, Parenteau emphasized their strong connection, stating, "I think we have a lot of trust in each other, and we communicate really well. We get along on and off the court, so that’s also huge for our partnership. I couldn’t be any prouder of our team." This victory marked Waters' second title of the day, with her sights set on achieving her historic 33rd Triple Crown in the upcoming women's singles final.
Queen of the Court! Waters Claims Historic 33rd Triple Crown in Dominant Display
Anna Leigh Waters has once again cemented her status as a pickleball icon, achieving her record-extending 33rd Triple Crown at the Veolia Cape Coral Open presented by Proton. The 18-year-old phenom capped off a stellar Sunday by claiming the women's singles title with an 11-3, 11-7 victory over No. 6 seed Lea Jansen. This singles triumph followed her earlier victories in women's doubles alongside Catherine Parenteau and in mixed doubles with Ben Johns, securing the coveted Triple Crown.
Despite a demanding day on the court, Waters showcased her dominance, frequently outmanoeuvring Jansen at the kitchen line and countering her opponent's angles with precise passing shots. Even when Jansen mounted a late comeback in the second game, Waters remained composed to close out the match.
Reflecting on her remarkable achievement in her hometown, Waters shared, "It’s awesome being here in Florida. Being in my hometown and seeing a lot of people that I haven’t seen in a while really helped push me through... It really made this one feel special, so I’m really glad that I could get a Triple Crown here". This historic 33rd Triple Crown further solidifies Waters' position as a dominant force in professional pickleball.
300 Seats of Thrills: Malaysia Unveils Elite Venue for Pickleball Spectacle
Malaysia's pickleball scene has reached a new pinnacle with the unveiling of the country's first-ever Grandstand Championship Court at the Grand Pickleball Arena (GPA). This elite venue, boasting 300 spectator seats, promises an unparalleled experience for both players and fans, marking a significant milestone in the sport's rapid growth in the nation.
The launch of this championship court coincided with the inaugural Malaysia Super Pickleball League (MSPL), a premier competition bringing together top-tier Malaysian athletes. According to Mr. Low Chung King, owner of Grand Pickleball Arena, this facility will be instrumental in hosting high-calibre tournaments, developing local talent, and preparing players for international competition.
The MSPL itself is a testament to pickleball's surging popularity in Malaysia, which is recognized as a nation with a fast-growing number of players. Featuring eight teams and a RM21,000 prize pool, the league unfolds over several match days, providing a thrilling showcase of skill and strategy on this new world-class court. Mr. Brandan Gabriel Lai, League Commissioner of MSPL, hailed the Grandstand Court as a "game-changer, offering the perfect arena for players to compete at the highest level and for fans to witness world-class pickleball action".
Pickleball Heats Up in Kashmir: Platinum Ryder Cup Promises Thrilling Showdown
Jammu & Kashmir is set to witness a thrilling pickleball spectacle with the announcement of the Platinum Ryder Cup Pickleball Tournament. This highly anticipated event will feature a competitive battle between Team Home of Legends and Team Seven Fields, with the first team to reach 24 points claiming the championship title.
The tournament kicks off on March 8th with doubles matches at Home of Legends and culminates on March 9th with singles matches at Seven Fields. This event is being organized in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Amateur Pickleball Association under the banner of the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA).
Bhisham Batra, Owner of Platinum Business Sports Network, highlighted the sport's rapid growth in the region, stating, "Pickleball is becoming a sensation in India, and Jammu & Kashmir is no exception. We are committed to fostering this sport and creating more opportunities for players to showcase their talent. The Platinum Ryder Cup is a step towards making J&K a key hub for pickleball". Puneet Chopra, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Amateur Pickleball Association, echoed this enthusiasm, emphasizing their dedication to expanding the sport as "a game for all ages, promoting fitness, agility, and social engagement". The Platinum Ryder Cup promises high-energy matches and aims to further boost pickleball's popularity in Jammu & Kashmir.