MCMX Team Chemistry, Duong Asia No.1, Pilipinas Make History

Good morning, pickleballers!

It's been a few days, apologies for that - it is time to bring you up-to-date with all the pickleball news you might have missed in the last few days.

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Lou Stephens Leads PPL Masters Team MCMX with Focus on Player Chemistry

London, UK – Lou Stephens, a highly respected figure in the UK pickleball community, was honoured last year with the prestigious Finnish Travelling Paddle award for her significant contributions, including founding London Pickleball and serving as a leading volunteer for Pickleball England. Now, she is preparing to lead her Masters team, MCMX, as an owner in Season 3 of the Premier Pickleball League (PPL).

Stephens, working closely with her captain, Richard Love, whom she describes as "the best player in the league," emphasised player chemistry and logistical considerations during team selection. "As much as you obviously want to get the best players you can get, we have to know that their personalities would fit in with the team," she stated, also noting the need to accommodate players like Heidi McClune, who flies from Ireland for each round.

A former international footballer for Wales, Stephens draws parallels between her past experience of personally funding her play and the current challenges faced by many top pickleball players. She advocates for "sustainable growth" in the sport, prioritising steady development over a "quick cash influx" that could lead to a burst bubble. Reflecting on the rejected Franklin Pickleball Club in Kingston last October, Stephens now believes the surge in pickleball interest since then suggests they "were a year too early," with enough critical mass now to support such a venture. She personally runs multiple pickleball sessions daily, including four on Tuesdays, a testament to the sport's rapid growth.

Quang Duong Defies Suspension to Solidify Asia's #1 Ranking, Becomes US Pro Circuit's Fastest Rising Star

Hanoi, Vietnam – Quang Duong has officially cemented his status as Asia’s No. 1 pickleball player in both singles and doubles, according to DUPR rankings as of June 10, 2025. The 19-year-old boasts impressive totals of 6,638 points in men’s doubles and 6,865 in men’s singles, placing him significantly ahead of his continental rivals.

This remarkable achievement comes despite Duong facing a $50,000 fine and suspension from the UPA in May 2025 for participating in an unrecognised tournament in Lao Cai, Vietnam. Despite this setback, he has maintained his "stability and superior technique," consistently outperforming opponents.

Duong, who transitioned to professional pickleball in 2023 after a background in tennis and paddle, has rapidly ascended the ranks, becoming one of the "fastest rising stars in the US pickleball pro circuit". His accolades include a silver medal from the 2024 Houston Open and, notably, two victories over former world No. 1 Ben Johns. Currently ranked 6th on the PPA Tour, Duong is expected to continue focusing on PPA events in the US. His dominance not only highlights his immense talent but also positions Vietnam as a burgeoning pickleball hotspot in Asia.

Team Pilipinas Makes History at WPC Asia Grand Slam with Seven-Medal Haul, Led by Jimenez and Patrimonio

Baoding, China – Team Pilipinas (Philippines) delivered a stunning performance at the World Pickleball Championships (WPC) Asia Grand Slam in China, securing a total of seven medals: one gold, one silver, and five bronze. This impressive haul at the prestigious tournament, which attracted over 800 players from 20 countries, firmly establishes the Philippines as an emerging powerhouse in the sport.

Dino Jimenez led the charge for the Philippine contingent, personally contributing three medals. He clinched a gold medal in the 35+ men’s doubles Open category with partner Davis Alano in Hebei City. Jimenez also earned two bronze medals: one in 35+ men’s singles Open and another in 35+ men’s doubles Open with Alano in Baoding City. Despite only starting competitive pickleball in November, Jimenez's rapid ascent included a silver at the Pattaya Open in March.

Further contributing to the team's success, Anna Clarice Patrimonio secured a silver medal in the 19+ women’s singles Open, building on her previous gold medals at the 2025 World Pickleball Championship in Vietnam and the WPC Asia Pickleball Open. Medene Ramos-Saraza and Patricia Raymundo added a bronze in the 19+ women’s doubles. The team, comprising Jimenez, Alano, Saraza, Ramos-Saraza, Patrimonio, Ken Unique Dela Cruz, and Christian Joshua Luna, also earned a bronze medal in the overall team event. Even with a torn calf injury two weeks prior, Davis Alano remarkably secured two medals, including a bronze in 19+ men's doubles.

Mad Drops' Seven-Match Winning Streak Shattered by Underdog Brooklyn at MLP San Clemente

San Clemente, California, USA – The Los Angeles Mad Drops, once boasting significant momentum and an undefeated campaign in Daytona Beach, saw their impressive seven-match winning streak come to a crashing halt on Friday at the Edward Jones MLP San Clemente event. Despite the return of top player Quang Duong from suspension, the Mad Drops were decisively defeated by a severely shorthanded Brooklyn Pickleball Team.

Entering the tournament with a strong 10-4 record and 28 points, the Mad Drops were considered a formidable force. However, the men’s doubles pairing of Hunter Johnson and Quang Duong had an "especially tough outing," losing both of their matches against Brooklyn's Blaine Hovenier/Ryan Fu and the alternate duo of AJ Koller/Rafa Hewett. This unexpected defeat pushed the Mad Drops' record to 11-5 with 30 points by Saturday morning.

The surprising upset highlighted the resilience of the Brooklyn team, who navigated the tournament without any of their three rostered male players due to illness or injury. The Mad Drops, who were later slated to face the undefeated Columbus Sliders in a highly anticipated matchup, will need to quickly rebound from this setback.

Columbus Sliders Remain Undefeated at MLP San Clemente as CJ Klinger Returns with Renewed Confidence

San Clemente, California, USA – The Columbus Sliders have made a strong return to Major League Pickleball (MLP) at the Edward Jones MLP San Clemente event, remaining undefeated through their first two matches after nearly two months away from competition. A key factor in their success has been the return of 19-year-old standout CJ Klinger, who missed the Sliders' hometown event in early May due to illness.

Klinger's presence has proven to be a significant boost for Columbus. His strong performance at a recent PPA Tour event, where he secured a bronze medal in men's doubles and a 4th place finish in mixed doubles, has imbued him with "no shortage of confidence". The Sliders' dominant run saw them not drop a single game through their initial two matches, a testament to their cohesion and renewed form.

With an impressive 9-4 record and 26 points, the Columbus Sliders were set for what many considered the "weekend’s best matchup" on Sunday morning: a clash against the formidable Los Angeles Mad Drops. Their continued undefeated streak underscored their potential as serious contenders in the tournament, making their return to the MLP stage a compelling storyline.

Shorthanded Brooklyn Pickleball Team Stages Heroic Wins at MLP San Clemente with Alternate MVPs Koller and Hewett

San Clemente, California, USA – The Brooklyn Pickleball Team has emerged as a symbol of "tremendous resolve" at the Edward Jones MLP San Clemente event, achieving remarkable victories despite being severely shorthanded. The team entered the competition without any of their three rostered male players—Dekel Bar (illness/injury), Riley Newman (injury), and Pat Smith (illness)—forcing them to rely on on-site alternates.

Stepping up to fill the void, AJ Koller and Rafa Hewett have played a crucial role in Brooklyn's surprising success. Koller, in particular, was "especially impressive" in mixed doubles, where he and Rachel Rohrabacher clinched a pivotal victory over the Los Angeles Mad Drops' Catherine Parenteau and Quang Duong. This win was significant, as it ended the Mad Drops' formidable seven-match winning streak.

Brooklyn's ability to remain undefeated in San Clemente, despite their significant roster challenges, has showcased their team depth and the adaptability of their alternate players. Their heroic performances have made them a compelling team to watch as the tournament progresses.

SoCal Hard Eights: MLP's Youngest Team Takes Centre Stage with Teen Trio Leading the Charge

San Clemente, California, USA – The Edward Jones MLP San Clemente event has become a prominent stage for the SoCal Hard Eights, recognised as the youngest team in Major League Pickleball (MLP). The team features a compelling trio of teenagers: Jalina Ingram (17), Cailyn Campbell (15), and John Lucian Goins.

With an injury sidelining Irina Tereschenko, Ingram and Campbell have stepped into the women's doubles lineup, facing the challenging task of competing against some of the league's top pairings. On Friday, they were "thrown right into the gauntlet," facing formidable duos like Catherine Parenteau/Jade Kawamoto of the Mad Drops and Lea Jansen/Parris Todd of the Sliders.

Despite their youth and a tough 0-2 start on Friday, the Hard Eights demonstrated strong performances, notably pushing the Mad Drops to a DreamBreaker and holding late leads in several games against the Columbus Sliders. Team member Blaine Hovenier and the rest of the squad are known for always bringing "the energy," making their matches an engaging watch. Their presence underscores the rising talent of younger players in professional pickleball.

Blockbuster MLP Trade: Carolina Hogs Land Etta Tuionetoa for Doubles Power, Texas Ranchers Acquire Kaitlyn Christian for DreamBreaker Edge

United States – Major League Pickleball (MLP) witnessed one of its most impactful trades of the season as the Carolina Hogs acquired Etta Tuionetoa, while the Texas Ranchers received Kaitlyn Christian and cash considerations. This strategic swap aims to bolster specific areas for both teams.

The Carolina Hogs, who have struggled on the women’s side in both gender and mixed doubles, anticipate Tuionetoa to be a "massive upgrade". Having posted a 14-10 record with Texas in 2025, Tuionetoa is expected to form a "very strong" mixed doubles partnership with Ben Johns, given their past success of striking gold together at two PPA events in 2024. Her addition is also projected to make it more realistic for Carolina to force DreamBreakers.

Meanwhile, the Texas Ranchers, who have a challenging 0-3 record in DreamBreakers this season, made the move to improve their singles play. They acquired Kaitlyn Christian, a formidable singles specialist ranked No. 3 in women’s singles on the PPA Tour. While Christian is not as strong in doubles as Tuionetoa, her prowess in singles is expected to significantly enhance the Ranchers' ability to win DreamBreakers. The trade sets up intriguing dynamics for both teams as they adjust their lineups for upcoming events.

UPA Unveils Groundbreaking $31 Million Player Earning Plan for 2026: Performance-Based Payouts Set to Revolutionise Pro Pickleball

United States – The United Pickleball Association (UPA) has announced a "game-changing proposal" for 2026, committing to an unprecedented up to $31 million in total annual player earnings. This ambitious plan aims to revolutionise professional pickleball by significantly rewarding performance and fostering global growth.

Starting in 2026, the UPA will provide $11 million in guaranteed prize money, complemented by an additional $15 million in performance-based prize money distributed across the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP). Furthermore, $5 million will be allocated for international prize money opportunities, signalling a strong push for global expansion.

A key component of this new structure is the redesign of guaranteed player contracts. Final-year guarantees from existing 2024-2026 contracts will be spread into equal annual payments across 2026-2028, extending financial security for players. This shift from primarily salary-based agreements to a more performance-based reward system mirrors successful models in sports like tennis and golf. The new framework, where players "eat what they kill" by earning more through winning, aims to ignite competition and offer diversified, sustainable income opportunities for pros. Contracts for various player tiers will be available for signing between July 1 and November 1, 2025.

World Pickleball Convention Showcases Innovation, Draws Fans to West Palm Beach for Gear, Games, and Future Trends

West Palm Beach, Florida, USA – The World Pickleball Convention recently captivated enthusiasts in West Palm Beach, Florida, drawing players and fans from across the country to the Palm Beach Convention Centre from June 27-29, 2025. The event served as a vibrant hub for discovering new gear, exploring learning opportunities, and participating in unique pickleball activities.

Innovation was a central theme, with vendors showcasing advancements aimed at enhancing the player experience. Todd Ferrigno, owner of Ultimate Pickleball Warehouse, highlighted his mission to provide better, more cost-effective paddles, driven by a desire to "help people get a good product". Similarly, Ken Kepple, CEO of VolleyBar, presented a device designed to reinforce proper swing technique during actual gameplay, addressing a common player need.

Many of the exhibiting businesses, established within the last five years, underscored the sport’s rapid expansion and their commitment to making pickleball more accessible to new players. Beyond the vendor booths, the convention offered an engaging array of activities, including an indoor tournament and a fashion show featuring popular activewear brands. With tickets starting at an affordable $20 per day, the convention successfully connected fans, players, and companies, celebrating the love for America’s fastest-growing sport.

 

Olympic Dreams Ignite: WPF Founder Seymour Rifkind Declares IOC "Loves Pickleball," Targets 2028 Inclusion Amidst Federation Rivalry

Global Pickleball Community – The dream of pickleball becoming an Olympic sport has gained a vocal proponent in World Pickleball Federation (WPF) founder Seymour Rifkind, who recently stated the International Olympic Committee (IOC) "loves pickleball" and that it "checks all the boxes" for a new sport. Rifkind hinted at a possibility for inclusion as early as the 2028 Los Angeles Games, although he places the likelihood below 25%. He controversially claimed to have heard directly from the IOC, "'If we want you in, you’re in. Period'".

Rifkind’s optimistic outlook comes amid a clear rivalry with the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF), which is backed by USA Pickleball. He sharply criticised the GPF, calling their proclamations "a lot of smoke and mirrors" and asserting that their bylaws are not IOC compliant, rendering them unable to spearhead pickleball’s Olympic bid. Instead, Rifkind believes the newly unified WPF, formed by the recent merger of his WPF with the International Pickleball Federation (IPF), is the legitimate body to pursue Olympic recognition.

For the WPF to achieve this goal, significant work lies ahead. A key requirement for Olympic recognition is a single international federation overseeing the sport. The new WPF must prepare extensive documentation, estimated at 300 to 400 pages, to formally apply to the IOC. Additionally, they plan to hire a CEO and COO, gather thousands of volunteers, and establish a new name for the organisation. A crucial step will be to host a "World Pickleball Games" to demonstrate that pickleball is indeed a global sporting phenomenon.

Historic Success: Inaugural UK Deaf Open Pickleball Festival Delights Over 100 Participants, Promises Annual Inclusivity

Loughborough, UK – The inaugural UK Deaf Open Pickleball Festival, held recently in Loughborough, proved to be a resounding success, drawing over 100 participants and creating a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere for the deaf community. Organised and hosted by the Deaf-led charity Action Deafness, with ambassador James Townsend playing a pivotal role and sponsored by SignLive, the event celebrated the growing passion for pickleball among deaf players.

James Townsend expressed immense pride and satisfaction, noting that the festival fostered a "safe, fun, and inclusive space" where many tried pickleball for the first time. The energy was described as "electric," filled with laughter and genuine connection, as attendees reconnected and discovered a new passion for the sport. Craig Crowley, CEO of Action Deafness, lauded the event as "simply amazing," highlighting the enthusiastic participation and the collaborative efforts of coaches Julie Mac, Bryan Whalley, and Stewart Hamblin, alongside numerous volunteers.

The success of this landmark festival has already spurred plans for its return next year. James Townsend is "incredibly optimistic" about future events, signalling a commitment to building on this momentum and expanding opportunities for deaf individuals in pickleball. The festival not only provided a platform for competitive fun but also reinforced pickleball's reputation as an accessible and community-oriented sport.

Pickle Palooza: Pickle Crew PH Unites Clubs for Grand Community Celebration and Competitive Fun this July

Silang, Cavite, Philippines – Pickle Crew PH is set to host Pickle Palooza, a two-day event aimed at bringing together pickleball clubs from across the Philippines for a grand community celebration and spirited competition. The event will take place on July 12 and 13, 2025, at the Powerhouse Pickleball & Badminton Centre in Silang, Cavite, promising an all-in-one pickleball expo experience.

Pickle Palooza will feature a unique "Club Challenge," where the pickleball club with the highest member attendance stands to win an overnight stay at the prestigious ACE&E Hotspring Resort, complete with complimentary use of its world-class pickleball facilities. This incentive is designed to encourage widespread participation and foster friendly rivalry among clubs. In addition to the community focus, the event will also host the DUPR Clash Tournament, offering a competitive arena for picklers of varying skill levels and ages.

Beyond the courts, attendees can look forward to a vibrant Pickleball Bazaar, engaging pickleball demos, lively party games, and multiple raffle opportunities, including mini-raffles and a Grand Raffle. Registration for Pickle Palooza is currently open, with each ticket granting access to a loot bag filled with surprises, entry to the Pickleball Bazaar, a Bingo Palooza card for the Grand Raffle, access to the paddle demo court and party games, and three entries for the mini-raffles. The event aims to be a blend of social interaction and competitive play, reinforcing the strong community aspect of pickleball in the Philippines.

Toronto Set to Unveil Its Largest Outdoor Pickleball Facility: 11 Courts Coming to East End Waterfront by September 2025 Amid Soaring Demand

Toronto, Canada – Toronto is on the cusp of a significant pickleball boom with the upcoming launch of its largest outdoor pickleball facility, featuring 11 courts, near the city’s east end waterfront. This major project, culminating three years of dedicated work by Mary Beth Denomy and the East Toronto Pickleball Association, aims to address the rapidly increasing demand for playing spaces in North America’s fastest-growing sport. The new courts are expected to be completed this summer and open by September 2025.

Mary Beth Denomy, chair and co-founder of the East Toronto Pickleball Association, highlighted the critical need for proper facilities, noting that their group has 700 members but only two suitable pickleball courts exist east of Yonge Street. Across Canada, pickleball participation has soared to 1.5 million players, a 60 per cent increase in just three years. While the city has permitted play on tennis courts and old hockey rinks, these makeshift solutions pose challenges like knee injuries, slippery surfaces, and rain cancellations, often requiring players to set up their own nets and lines. Denomy emphasised the inadequacy, stating, "You wouldn’t play tennis on a hockey rink".

The project has garnered substantial community support, with the association collecting over 1,000 petition signatures and securing backing from local businesses and schools. Funding will partly come from the city’s 2025 budget. The facility, located in the Main Sewage Treatment Playground, will feature lights for evening play and two wheelchair-accessible courts. Denomy stated that these new courts will facilitate tournaments and larger events, further promoting pickleball as an easy-to-learn, accessible, and community-building sport. Although the new courts won't fully meet all demand, she considers them a "giant step" forward.

Biebers Serve Up Courtside Romance: Justin and Hailey Squash Divorce Rumours with Pickleball Play, Despite "Difficult Time" Behind Scenes

United States – Justin and Hailey Bieber recently quieted circulating divorce rumors by sharing heartwarming photos of themselves enjoying a friendly game of pickleball by a lake, showcasing their enduring bond amidst personal challenges. The couple's social media posts depicted Hailey holding two pickleball paddles and moments of them preparing for their game, signalling a united front.

Fans quickly rallied in support, flooding the comments section with messages affirming the strength of their relationship and their happiness as a family, directly refuting speculative reports of marital strife. Comments such as "HE LOVES HIS WIFE !!! AND YOU GUYS CAN’T TAKE THAT FROM HIM" and "People create every week a rumor that they got divorced when in reality their relationship is strong and they are happy with a beautiful kid" underscored the public's positive reception.

Despite the public display of affection, an insider disclosed to Us Weekly that Justin Bieber is currently navigating a "difficult time," with Hailey providing him space to regain his footing. The source revealed that "Things have been very tense in the last month" and expressed Hailey’s concern for Justin, especially with a baby at home, noting his struggles are unusually deep. Nevertheless, the pickleball outing served as a visible testament that even amidst stress, the couple continues to prioritise their time together and their family, emphasising their commitment to standing united.