Asia Leagues, Whitwell Triple, Joyce Jones, Lions CNPL Champs again

Good morning, pickleballers!

So much to update you on, including the launch of the October World Pickleball Magazine which you can download by clicking on the cover below.

Here's the latest pickleball news!

Philippines Pickleball Champions League Returns for Second Season

Manila, Philippines – The excitement for competitive pickleball is building as Eight teams are confirmed to compete in the Pickleball Champions League Philippines Season 2. This announcement was featured in the news coverage published by ABS-CBN News on October 4, 2025.

The Pickleball Champions League Asia is attracting increasing attention, supported by leading media and entertainment companies in the region. The return of the tournament for its second season signals the growing popularity and institutionalisation of the sport within the Philippines.

While specific details regarding the format and player rosters were not immediately available in the announcement, the confirmation of eight participating teams sets the stage for a highly anticipated competition. ABS-CBN Corporation, a media company committed to promoting Filipino values and connecting audiences globally, published the story regarding the upcoming competition.

As pickleball continues its rapid ascent across Asia, professional leagues like the Pickleball Champions League Philippines are crucial in establishing a robust competitive landscape and driving local engagement. Fans and players alike are gearing up for Season 2, expecting fierce rallies and top-tier competition when the league returns.

Childhood Friends Honour Pickleball's Roots in 40-Year Reunion Tradition

Idyllwild, United States – A tight-knit group of 12 childhood friends, now mostly in their 70s, continues a cherished tradition spanning four decades: a reunion held every five years centred around food, camaraderie, and, most importantly, pickleball. The men, who hail from various locations including Wisconsin, Utah, Oregon, Florida, and even Bangkok, gather to reminisce about their youth in Magnolia, a neighbourhood on Washington's Olympic Peninsula.

These reunions are especially unique because the group grew up alongside pickleball royalty. Two of the sport's founding fathers, Barney McCallum and Joel Pritchard, were Magnolia residents, and Joel Pritchard’s son, Frank, was in Mike Cole's elementary school class. Mike Cole, who hosted the latest reunion at his Idyllwild, CA cabin, recalled that Barney McCallum was a friend of his father.

The tradition traces back to the sport's earliest days. Cole remembers hanging out at the McCallum's home on Bainbridge Island around 1965. He noted that one of the friends’ fathers, Burt Robbins, was convinced by McCallum to build a pickleball court in his backyard around 1966 or 1967, which Cole believes was "one of the first five courts in the world". That early court was famously tight, built on a small basketball court with basketball poles posing obstacles, forcing the friends to play "nothing but singles, no dinks, no finesse of any kind" using wood paddles.

What began as a fun way to gather in the 1980s has become a competitive ritual. The friends compete in various sports, including darts, cornhole, and a Swedish throwing game called Kubb. The all-around champion takes home the coveted "QA Bone" trophy, named after their alma mater, Queen Anne High School. Despite their age, the competitive spirit is instantly rekindled, with Mike Cole laughing that "everybody starts acting like we're 12 again" within minutes of getting together. The group, having missed only one reunion during COVID, currently plans to keep the tradition going "Every five years until we're dead".

WPBL On Tour Expansion: World Pickleball League Plans 50+ Events Across India

Mumbai, India – The World Pickleball League (WPBL) is fueling the sport’s rapid expansion across India with the announcement of a massive scaling of its flagship initiative, WPBL On Tour. The initiative is set to deliver more than 50 pickleball events throughout the country over the next four months, positioning pickleball as India's fastest-growing sport.

The WPBL is partnering with four key organisations to execute this ambitious calendar: KheloMore, Panda Plays Pickle x Swiggy Scenes, FerroHub Sports, and Sisters-In-Sweat. This collaboration ensures a diverse array of events designed to cater to all levels of play, from casual enthusiasts to aspiring professionals. KheloMore will host 14 events, focusing on starter camps and tournaments to nurture beginners. Panda Plays Pickle x Swiggy Scenes will curate 10 high-energy social format events, while FerroHub Sports will add three community-driven gatherings in Bengaluru. Significantly, Sisters-In-Sweat will contribute 24 women-first events, adding necessary depth and variety to the schedule.

WPBL Founder and CEO Gaurav Natekar highlighted the strategic importance of the tour, stating that the 57 events planned with partners are intended to create meaningful community engagement and deliver long-term value to the league’s franchises ahead of Season 2. Natekar emphasised that the ultimate goal is strengthening the League, helping grow the sport, and encouraging healthier lifestyles.

These grassroots starter camps, lifestyle-led shuffle showdowns, and women-focused programs reinforce the WPBL's commitment to year-round engagement and ecosystem development. With Season 2 of the WPBL slated for January 2026, the success of the WPBL On Tour will provide a strong foundation for future growth and establish pickleball as a compelling platform for brand partnerships in India.

PPA Tour Asia: Da Nang Hosts World Record Crowd and Crowns MB Vietnam Cup Champions

Da Nang, Vietnam – The MB Vietnam Cup 2025, a PPA Tour Asia event, concluded Championship Saturday in stunning fashion, setting a Guinness World Record for the largest attendance at a pickleball event. A roaring crowd of 7,906 fans packed the Tien Son Sports Arena, shattering the previous record of 5,522. The tournament also registered nearly 600 domestic and international players, making it Asia’s largest pickleball tournament to date.

The massive crowd witnessed thrilling finals, headlined by home favourite Phuc Huynh, who continued his dominance on Vietnamese soil by capturing the Men’s Singles gold 2-0 (11-1, 11-4) against compatriot Hien Truong. Huynh praised the "electric" atmosphere, noting that the packed stadium provided significant motivation.

In Women’s Singles, Australia’s Sahra Dennehy completed a successful week by claiming her first PPA Tour Asia gold, sweeping Liz Truluck 2-0 (11-5, 11-7). Truluck, competing in her first PPA final, had delivered one of the tournament’s major highlights in the semifinals by staging an unprecedented comeback, overcoming a 1-8 deficit in the final game against Kaitlyn Christian to win 11-9.

The doubles competitions saw seasoned champions prevail:

• Men’s Doubles: The dynamic pairing of Tyson McGuffin and Eric Oncins secured back-to-back PPA Tour Asia golds. They weathered a strong challenge from Zane Navratil and Armaan Bhatia, coming back from a one-game deficit to win 2-1 (5-11, 11-9, 11-0). Navratil and Bhatia had reached the final after a major upset victory over top seeds Ben Johns and Dekel Bar in the semi-finals, 2-1 (11-4, 8-11, 13-11). Following the tournament, Navratil publicly endorsed Bhatia, an "Indian sensation," urging Major League Pickleball (MLP) teams to draft him.
• Women’s Doubles: Kaitlyn Christian and Chao Yi Wang also clinched their second PPA Tour Asia title, maintaining consistent control to defeat Ting Chieh Wei and Alix Truong 2-0 (11-8, 11-8). Christian noted the explosive growth and called playing in front of such a large crowd "incredible".
• Mixed Doubles: Siblings Alix and Jonathan Truong delivered a commanding performance to secure gold, triumphing 2-0 (11-1, 11-6) over Zoey Wang and Tyson McGuffin. Alix expressed appreciation for the crowd, who supported the siblings due to their Vietnamese heritage.

Lions Make History: Montreal Roars to Back-to-Back CNPL Championship Title in London

London, Canada – The Montreal Lions successfully defended their title at the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) Championship Weekend, making history as the first team to win back-to-back CNPL championships. The Lions demonstrated a dominant run through the finals weekend, capping off a successful Season III campaign.

Championship Weekend, which saw fierce competition among the league's best, was hosted at Smash Pickleball on Wharncliffe Road South in London, Ontario. The facility, which bills itself as "Canada’s premier pickleball facility," opened about a year prior.

Eight elite teams, each consisting of three women and three men, battled for the title and a share of the $25,000 purse. Teams like the Detroit-Windsor Drive and Toronto United were among those competing in the high-stakes environment.

The Montreal Lions’ victory marks a significant milestone in Canadian professional pickleball. The organisation extended congratulations to the Lions for their achievement, while also paying respect to all teams that battled throughout the season and the passionate Canadian fans who contributed to the energetic atmosphere. The success of the Lions cements their status as a dominant force in the professional pickleball landscape.

PPA Tour Asia Vows Continuous Improvement After Panas Malaysia Cup Slip-Ups

Asia – The PPA Tour Asia is actively addressing criticisms regarding its initial events, particularly concerns raised by amateur players following the Panas Malaysia Cup 2025. Kimberly Koh, United Pickleball Association Asia (UPAA) Managing Director, admitted in a guest appearance on The Nasty Nelson PNA Podcast that the inaugural tournament was "far from perfect".

Criticism of the Panas Malaysia Cup stemmed from the feeling that amateur players were treated differently than the professionals. Koh explained that the PPA Tour framework traditionally has a "mostly pro orientation," which complicated the initial running of amateur competitions parallel to the pro division. She noted that while professional matches make up only 10–20% of every event, the amateur side is vital, as pickleball deeply relies on a community angle.

Koh assured that the UPA-A is highly self-critical and is already implementing improvements based on feedback. They are sending out questionnaires to all players after every event to guide their progress in navigating Asia’s "very interesting mix of players".

The management team’s ultimate goal is to professionalise the sport in Asia, developing local players into stars comparable to Ben Johns or Anna Leigh Waters. However, Koh stressed that the focus must be equal on both the pro and amateur sides, ensuring the amateur experience is positive so community members continue to play where the pros compete. After a rocky start, PPA Tour Asia is committed to building on recent progress to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience moving forward.

95-Year-Old Seattle Resident Joyce Jones Breaks Own Pickleball World Record

Seattle, United States – At 95-and-a-half years old, Seattle resident Joyce Jones has been officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest female competitive pickleball player in the world for the second consecutive year, successfully breaking her own record.

Jones’ dedication to the sport is deeply rooted in its history. She and her husband were personal friends with Washington Congressman Joel Pritchard, who invented pickleball in 1965 on Bainbridge Island. Over the decades, Jones has participated in more than 100 tournaments nationwide, successfully earning numerous medals.

Despite her competitive achievements, Jones emphasises that she still plays mainly for enjoyment. She remains incredibly active, often winning in tournaments, and is preparing to compete next week in the Huntsman World Senior Games in Utah. Jones attributes her impressive health and longevity to maintaining a clean lifestyle, stating she has never tried smoking, drinking, or drugs.

Jones serves as an inspiration to athletes of all ages, encouraging others to "just keep having fun". With her sights set firmly on the future, she boldly stated her intention to continue playing pickleball "until I’m 100".

Pickleball Fever Hits UK: Somerset Club Explodes to 100 Members in Six Months

Taunton, United Kingdom – Pickleball is rapidly gaining traction in the UK, exemplified by the phenomenal success of the Somerset Pickleball Club, which reached its 100th member in just six months. Operating as the only non-profit club of its kind in the Taunton and Wellington area, the group has quickly capitalised on the local appetite for the fast-paced paddle sport.

The sport, which is already immensely popular in the USA, is growing in the UK, often utilising repurposed tennis courts. A club spokesperson described pickleball as "very addictive," calling it a combination of table tennis, badminton, and tennis that anyone with a racket sport background will enjoy.

To support its booming membership, the Somerset Pickleball Club runs sessions during both the day and evening, featuring a very successful club night and a strong club ethos. The club ensures that it caters to new players by providing taster sessions run by certified level one Pickleball England instructors. These introductory sessions are offered for £15 per person for two hours, with all necessary equipment provided. In addition to regular club activities, the members stay active and fit by participating in friendly competitions with other clubs.

Whitwell Triple Crown Highlights APP Women’s Open Focused on Cancer Research

Columbus, United States – The 2025 APP Women’s Open presented by The James, hosted by the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) at Pickle & Chill, concluded with spectacular professional and amateur action while successfully fundraising for the APP Women’s Cancer Fund. The proceeds are dedicated to supporting research and treatment for breast, gynecologic, and other cancers affecting women.

Gibraltar's standout Lee Whitwell was the undisputed champion of the event, achieving an impressive Triple Crown with three gold medals. Whitwell dominated the AARP Champions (50+) Women’s Singles and secured Women’s Doubles gold in that division alongside Angela Simon. Her third gold came in the Women’s Split-Age Pro Doubles, where she teamed up with Daria Walczak to defeat Shelby Bates and Cantillon Endara 2-1 (Walczak’s first career APP Tour gold). Walczak credited their victory to their shared strategy, height, athleticism, and Whitwell’s leadership.

In the main professional categories:

• Women’s Pro Doubles: Jill Braverman and Megan Fudge avenged an earlier loss to defeat Shelby Bates and Sofia Sewing 2-1, earning their fifth women’s pro doubles gold of the season. Fudge emphasised the importance of execution and mutual belief in their skills for the win.
• Women’s Pro Singles: Defending champion Sofia Sewing secured her sixth APP Tour women’s singles title of 2025, defeating Ohio native Shannon Pretorius 15-4, 15-8. Sewing shared her excitement, emphasising the special nature of competing for a cause larger than themselves.

The tournament also featured hundreds of amateur players of all skill levels. Amateur medalists earned an APP Passport, guaranteeing pre-registration for the season-ending 2025 APP Tour Championships in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Highlights from the event will be broadcast nationwide on ESPN2 on October 14.