Good afternoon, pickleballers!

It's Saturday, and plenty has already happened in the world of pickleball.

We've recorded a new podcast, which you can listen to on Spotify, iTunes, other podcast platforms or directly below.

News has reached us that Gordo has claimed bronze in the singles and mixed in Brisbane - well done, Gordo!

Here's all the latest world pickleball news.

PPA Tour Asia Panas Malaysia Cup (Shah Alam, Malaysia)

Clash of Titans: Johns/Bright Set to Battle Christian/Alshon for Mixed Doubles Gold

Shah Alam, Malaysia – The Mixed Doubles final at the PPA Tour Asia Panas Malaysia Cup 2025 is set, pitting the dominant duo of Anna Bright and Ben Johns against the formidable pair of Kaitlyn Christian and Christian Alshon. Both teams secured straight-game victories in the semifinals on September 27.

Bright and Johns displayed sharp teamwork to overcome Alix Truong and Jonathan Truong, winning 11-8, 11-5. Their commanding performance, marked by quick net play and steady serves, comes after they dominated Liz Truluck and Armaan Bhatia 11-4, 11-4 in the quarterfinals.

Christian and Alshon secured their final spot after overpowering Sahra Dennehy and Santhosh Narayanan with consecutive 11-5 victories. In the quarterfinals, Christian and Alshon shut out Yufei Long and Hoang Nam Ly 11-7, 11-0. Notably, Dennehy and Narayanan achieved a quarterfinal upset by defeating Chao Yi Wang and PPA Tour star Tyson McGuffin 11-9, 11-2. Alshon is having an exceptionally busy tournament, also competing in the semifinals of Men’s Doubles and Men’s Singles. Fans anticipate a thrilling finale between these consistently strong teams.

Comeback Queens Meet Dominators: Women’s Doubles Finalists Crowned in Shah Alam

Shah Alam, Malaysia – The Pro Women’s Doubles final at the PPA Tour Asia Panas Malaysia Cup 2025 is confirmed following intense semifinal action on September 27. Chao Yi Wang and Kaitlyn Christian secured their final spot after staging a stunning three-game comeback against Aiko Yoshitomi and Sahra Dennehy. After dropping the first game 8–11, Wang and Christian rallied aggressively, controlling the second game 11–1 and closing the match 11–6, showcasing calm focus and smart shot placement.

They will face the dominant pair of Nicola Schoeman and Danni-elle Townsend, who cruised past Yu-chieh Hsieh and Liz Truluck in straight games, 11–4, 11–6. Schoeman and Townsend’s victory was built on consistent serves and aggressive net play. The Australian tandem previously delivered the tournament's biggest upset on Day 2 by defeating top seeds Anna Bright and Roos van Reek in the quarterfinals with a commanding 11-6, 11-3 sweep. Danni-Elle Townsend credited their quarterfinal success to aggressively attacking from the start and placing constant pressure on their high-ranked opponents.

American & Hong Kong Stars Clash for Singles Crown as Johns/Alshon Enter Doubles Final

Shah Alam, Malaysia – The PPA Tour Asia Panas Malaysia Cup 2025 has set its Men's Singles and Men's Doubles finals. In Men’s Singles, American top-ranked player Christian Alshon booked his spot after a convincing straight-set semifinal win (11-7, 11-7) against Vietnam’s Hoang Nam Ly. Alshon, known for his sharp shots and precise placement, will face Hong Kit Wong of Hong Kong. Wong also secured a straight-set victory in his semifinal against Hien Truong (11-6, 11-4), showcasing aggressive net play. Wong previously secured a difficult three-game comeback win in the quarters (2-11, 11-7, 11-8).

In Men’s Doubles, the newly formed American duo of Ben Johns and Christian Alshon advanced to the final by dominating Zane Navratil and Armaan Bhatia 11-6, 11-2. While Johns and Alshon had to recover from an early deficit in the quarterfinals (9-11, 11-1, 11-4 against Vanshik Kapadia and Robert Nunnery), they showed commanding form in the semi-finals. They will face Eric Oncins and Tyson McGuffin, who edged out Eunggwon Kim and Hong Kit Wong 11-9, 11-8 in a tightly contested semifinal. Local Malaysian favourite Jimmy Liong was eliminated in the men’s doubles quarter-finals with partner Leander Lazaro.

Van Reek and Christian Set for Showdown in Women's Singles Final

Shah Alam, Malaysia – Roos Van Reek and Kaitlyn Christian have secured their places in the Pro Women’s Singles final at the PPA Tour Asia Panas Malaysia Cup 2025. Both players delivered strong performances on September 27 to set up what is anticipated to be a thrilling championship match.

In the first semifinal, Van Reek demonstrated complete control, defeating Chao Yi Wang in straight games (11-7, 11-4). Her victory was attributed to powerful serves and precise shot placement, which consistently disrupted Wang's rhythm.

Kaitlyn Christian faced a tougher, three-game battle in her semifinal against Andie Dikosavljevic. Christian took the first game 11-4, but Dikosavljevic adjusted her pace to win the second game 11-2, forcing a decider. Christian managed to regain control in the final game, utilising aggressive cross-court shots to claim the match 11-4. With Van Reek offering consistency and Christian relying on tactical diversity, the final will test two distinct high-level playing styles.

PPA Tour Pickleball Central Sacramento Vintage Open (Sacramento, USA)

Fahey and Frazier Overcome Injury Drama to Secure Sacramento Mixed Doubles Final Spot

Sacramento, USA – The No. 7 seeds Kate Fahey and Dylan Frazier have powered their way into the mixed doubles final at the PPA Tour Pickleball Central Sacramento Vintage Open. The duo, playing only their fourth tournament together, secured a semifinal victory on Friday, September 26, against No. 9 seeds Layne Sleeth and Riley Newman, winning 11-8, 11-6. Fahey, who is also playing in the women’s singles final and is getting married the following week, has maintained exceptional focus.

Frazier noted that the pair successfully adapted to the chaotic style of their opponents, who frequently switched sides. The match included a tense moment in the second game when Riley Newman suffered a suspected lower-body injury while tracking a ball. Newman finished the match after a medical timeout, though his status for Saturday’s men’s doubles is uncertain. Fahey remarked that playing against an injured opponent was difficult because they were forced to stick to their game plan and continue moving the dinks around. Their impressive run guarantees them at least a silver medal and sets them up to face the top-seeded Johnson siblings in the championship.

Top Seeds Jorja and JW Johnson Ready for Third Mixed Doubles Title of the Season

Sacramento, USA – Top-seeded siblings Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson have advanced to the mixed doubles final at the PPA Tour Pickleball Central Sacramento Vintage Open, placing them one win away from their third championship title of the season. On Friday, September 26, the Dallas Flash teammates sealed their final spot by defeating No. 3 seeds Jessie Irvine and Gabriel Tardio with a strong 11-5, 11-7 victory on the Humana Championship Court.

The Johnsons maintained control throughout the semifinal, relying on sharp teamwork and steady shot-making. Their path to the final also included a challenging three-game quarterfinal against Etta Tuionetoa and Jay Devilliers, where they prevailed 11-4, 3-11, 11-2. Their continued success highlights their status as one of the tour's premier pairings. The Johnson siblings are now set for a championship showdown against the No. 7 seeds, Kate Fahey and Dylan Frazier, in the final match on Sunday.

Pickleball By The Bay: Chennai Hosts Inaugural PWR 1000 Event, Drawing Tennis Veterans and Inspiring Seniors

Chennai, India – The Rise Up Championship – Pickleball By The Bay 2025, India’s first PWR 1000 event, kicked off at the scenic VGP Golden Beach Resort. The coastal venue offers players a view of the sea and adds charm to the competition. Day 1 showcased intense knockout matches in mixed, women’s, and men’s doubles.

The tournament highlights included former professional tennis star Prajnesh Gunneswaran, who retired in 2024 and is playing casually, noting the significant overlap in skills between the two racket sports. He and Venkatesh Nagarajan won their opening men's doubles match 12–8. Also competing is Mihika Yadav, India’s top-ranked women’s singles player, who praised the venue and noted the smooth transition she made from professional tennis over the past two and a half years. She and Gurleen Singh won their Women’s Doubles match 15–1. The event also champions age inclusivity, featuring Chennai duo Petulia Balaji (60) and Pearline Roopkumar (53), who are competing after narrowly missing selection for Team India. Balaji noted that pickleball, being easy on the knees, allows athletes to compete well into their 50s and 60s.

Goa Sends Strongest Squad Yet as AIPA Nationals Ignite Jammu with Junior and Senior Gold

Jammu, India – The 9th All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) National Championship launched with high energy on September 26, running until September 28. The tournament, organised by the J & K Amateur Pickleball Association, features over 500 players from across India.

The state of Goa sent a robust 28-member squad to the Nationals, with players selected through state championships and trials. Goa Pickleball Association Secretary Mangirish Kunde expressed confidence that the contingent, supported by sponsors like Manas Developers, would perform strongly and make the state proud.

Day 1 delivered thrilling matches across age divisions. Junior gold medalists included Aarish Choubey (Chhattisgarh, U-14 Boys Singles), Aadhya Vinod (Maharashtra, U-14 Girls Singles), Jigar Vishwakarma (Jharkhand, U-16 Boys Singles), and Kavya Nandhardane (Maharashtra, U-16 Girls Singles). In the Senior 50+ Women’s Singles, Goa’s Audrey Menezes claimed the gold medal. Leaders praised the overwhelming participation and the rising standard of Indian pickleball showcased at the event.

Linton’s "Favourite Achievement": Team England Battles Heat to Claim Silver at European Championships

Rome, Italy – Team England veteran Anna Linton reflected on a successful yet gruelling weekend at the 2024 European Championships held at the Foro Italico. Despite the intense heat, which made adjusting difficult, Linton and her teammates performed exceptionally, finishing in second place overall just behind champions Spain.

Linton herself had an outstanding individual tournament, securing gold in the senior women’s doubles with partner Kirsty Gray, and taking silver in the singles event. The doubles pair won the final in two games (11-5, 11-6). In the Senior Women’s Singles final, Linton displayed remarkable sportsmanship by overturning her own out call while holding match point, a move that earned respect but cost her the match. Linton noted that while England was disappointed not to successfully defend their title, they were very happy with the silver, especially since the standard of play was higher than the previous year. For Linton, representing her country is the biggest honor of her career, calling it "definitely my favourite achievement".

US Senior Pickleball Nationals Returns to Florida, Offering Championship Built Exclusively for Ages 50+

Holly Hill, USA – The 2025 US Senior Pickleball National Championship Presented By Humana is scheduled to take place at Pictona in Holly Hill, Florida, from December 5–8. This championship is unique as it is the only national pickleball championship designed exclusively for players aged 50 through 80+.

Organised by US Senior Pickleball (USSP)—a not-for-profit organisation focused on enriching the lives of seniors through the sport—the event prioritises a supportive atmosphere where seniors can compete, connect, and celebrate pickleball on their own terms. Players will compete in five-year age brackets, including Masters Divisions (50+, 55+, 60+) and Legends Divisions (65+, 70+, 75+, 80+). Following last year's event, which drew 629 players, organisers expect between 850 and 1000 competitors this year. The tournament utilizes a round-robin format, ensuring meaningful matches for everyone. The host venue, Pictona, is a world-class facility featuring 49 courts, including 13 covered courts and a 1,200-seat championship stadium, offering a "pickleball paradise" near Daytona Beach.

Next Generation Secured: UPA Signs Five Elite Junior Prospects to Developmental Contracts

Dallas, USA – The United Pickleball Association (UPA) is making a major investment in the future of the sport by signing five of the best junior players to professional contracts, running through 2028. These young athletes, aged 12 to 15, represent the first wave of future stars to join the UPA's development program.

The newly signed phenoms include Cam Chaffin (14, DUPR 5.885), Ella Yeh (15, DUPR 5.246), Elsie Hendershot (12, DUPR 5.124), Jade Rau (15, DUPR 5.068), and Tama Shimabukuro (14, DUPR 5.434). UPA Deputy Commissioner Chris Patrick noted that since many current stars started as teenagers, this program provides a necessary "pathway to chase their dreams". The juniors were signed to "Futures Contracts," which limit immediate prize money potential but provide crucial flexibility to compete in PPA Challenger events, local moneyball matches, and high school/college competitions. Twelve-year-old Elsie Hendershot, whose goal for two years was to sign a pro contract, is excited for the opportunity and ready to learn from losses at the professional level.

Utah Tech, Utah Valley Rivalry Ignites as Top College Teams Battle for West Super Regional Crown

Kaysville, USA – The 2025 collegiate pickleball season is kicking off this weekend in Utah with the first Collegiate Super Regional at The Picklr Kaysville. Seven top university teams from across the West will compete for early-season bragging rights and critical bids to the national championships.

Preseason predictions favour Utah Tech University, Utah Valley University (UVU), and Brigham Young University (BYU) as the early frontrunners. Utah Tech boasts several top-ranked players, including Clayton Boydston (DUPR 5.881) and Ella Boydston (DUPR 5.472), while UVU features strong competitors like Charles Case (DUPR 5.741). The Super Regional is expected to reignite the strong rivalry between Utah Tech and UVU. With USC and Southern Utah University also vying for the potential third national bid, intense matches are anticipated across the brackets. Fans interested in the action can watch the semifinals and finals streaming live on Sunday via the Cracked Racquets YouTube channel.

Global Pickleball Federation to Host Landmark Congress in Philippines, Focusing on Grassroots Growth

Mandaluyong City, Philippines – The Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) has announced that its annual GPF Congress and General Meeting will take place from November 29 to December 2, 2025, at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel. The Philippines, which is fast emerging as one of Asia’s pickleball hotspots, was chosen as the fitting host for this significant four-day event.

The congress will gather GPF member delegates, federation presidents, and key stakeholders to connect and strategise for the federation's next phase. The agenda places a strong emphasis on grassroots growth and strategic governance. Highlights of the Congress Day (November 30) include a keynote speech by GPF President Javier Regalado and presentations by the GPF’s eight Activate Committees. Delegates will also review the updated 2025 GPF By-Laws, ensuring every member has a vote regardless of class, and receive updates on efforts to achieve International Olympic Committee (IOC) compliance. The event will conclude with a cultural excursion day trip on December 2.