Podcast: ALW & CP Split, MLP Australia, Malaysia’s Rise and more
Are you a pickleball fanatic looking for your weekly fix of news, insights, and entertaining banter from the world of the fastest-growing sport? Look no further than the World Pickleball Podcast, hosted by the engaging duo of Chris Beaumont and Gordon Watson. Join Chris in the UK and Gordon, broadcasting live from the sunny beaches of Yeppoon, Australia, as they dive deep into the latest happenings across the globe.
In their captivating first official episode, Chris and Gordon kick things off with a taste of their week, including Chris's intense singles tournament experience. But the real meat of the episode begins with a discussion on the biggest split in pickleball history since the last one: the separation of powerhouse doubles partners Annalie Waters and Catherine Parenteau. They delve into the surprising news (approx. 0:02:30), the phenomenal record the pair held (31 titles and only six losses!), and the speculation surrounding Catherine's potential replacement by Anna Bright. Gordon admits his disbelief at the news, initially thinking it was a joke. The hosts explore potential reasons for the split and the implications for the women's game.
Moving across the globe to Gordon's homeland, the podcast provides a comprehensive rundown of the action in Australia (approx. 0:11:30). They cover the exciting results from the first round of the MLP in Australia and the PPA in Australia. Highlights include the men's doubles victory of George Wall and Joey Wild over Kento and Wong, the impressive performance of Jack Wong, and Louis Laville's sensational tournament. In the women's doubles, the hosts celebrate the success of Australian sensation Summer, who won both singles and doubles alongside Van Reek. They also touch on the challenges of following the MLP Australia news and recommend tuning into the live streams on YouTube. The Northern Crocs' victory in the MLP event number one and the Masters and Challenger results are also discussed.
The conversation then shifts to the burgeoning pickleball scene in Malaysia, which, according to DUPR, is now the third-biggest pickleball-playing nation in the world behind the US and Canada (approx. 0:20:30). Gordon shares insights from his contact at DUPR about the explosive growth of pickleball in Asia, including South Korea and Vietnam.
Listeners also get the inside scoop on Pei's debut win in the A tour in Fort Lauderdale (approx. 0:23:00). Gordon, who has watched Pei play extensively in Asia and Australia, expresses his excitement and unsurprise at her success, highlighting her leadership, imposing presence, and positive energy on the court.
Chris and Gordon then address the ongoing saga of the PWR, the pickleball ranking and league that promised a significant prize pool (approx. 0:25:00). They discuss the multiple postponements and the growing uncertainty surrounding the league's future, hoping it will still come to fruition. The hosts explore PWR's relationships with other leagues like the NPL in Australia.
To wrap up the episode, Chris and Gordon share their favourite social media accounts in the pickleball world (approx. 0:31:30). They recommend following informative and entertaining personalities like Tanner Tomassi, Rosco Bellamy, and the "Prince of Pickleball". Gordon also suggests following "King of the Kooks" for a behind-the-scenes and humourous look at life with a top pickleball player.
Throughout the podcast, Chris and Gordon's genuine enthusiasm for pickleball and their engaging rapport shine through. Their insightful commentary, combined with a touch of humour, makes the World Pickleball Podcast a must-listen for anyone passionate about the sport.
You can find the World Pickleball Podcast on Apple, Spotify and Deezer or you can get your fix immediately below.
Tune in next Wednesday for more of the latest news and gossip from the world of pickleball. You won't be disappointed!