Pickleball News: New world #1, huge MLP change, Dubai goes big, Quang Duong promise
Good morning, pickleballers!
I tell you what, I cannot believe it is Thursday again already.
Wednesday was a massively productive day at WPM HQ, though.
With the April magazine being all about the European tournament scene, I had a good chat with the main man at the Franklin PPL, booked interviews with the biggest tournament provider in the UK and two of the main European tour organisers.
We will also be adding three new contributors to the team - we won't announce their names yet (just in case they don't actually contribute - yes, that does happen!) - but in April we hope to have a column covering all things in the Deaf Pickleball community, the Wheelchair Pickleball community and the Senior Pickleball community in Europe.
Add on top of that the plans for the World Pickleball Podcast, three interviews with rising stars (two in Asia, one in Australia) and I think we can all agree Wednesday can be ticked off.
But that doesn't interest you as much as today's pickleball news, does it? It must be time for your daily World Pickleball Report!
King Returns! Ben Johns Reclaims Pickleball Throne After Texas Triumph
For the first time since August, Ben Johns has once again ascended to the No. 1 spot in the PPA men’s doubles rankings. His triumphant return to the pinnacle follows a stellar performance at the CIBC PPA Texas Open, where he and Gabe Tardio clinched the title. Johns' victory earned him crucial points, bringing his total to 16,400.
The top ranking was most recently held by Federico Staksrud, who had overtaken Collin Johns after the PPA Masters in January. Staksrud entered the Texas Open with 15,900 points. While his runner-up finish in Texas earned him 800 points, the rolling off of 500 points from the 2024 Veolia Austin Open ultimately placed him at 16,200 points.
Johns, despite not defending any points from the previous year's Texas event, secured a net increase of 600 points with his 2025 title. However, his reign at the top might be short-lived as he will miss the upcoming Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open due to his participation in the JOOLA Pickleball Legends Tour in Asia. Meanwhile, Staksrud will compete in the event and could potentially reclaim the No. 1 ranking if he reaches the semifinals.
Prime Time Pickleball! MLP to Electrify Weekends with New Showcase Series
Get ready for "Saturday Night and Sunday Night Pickleball"! Major League Pickleball (MLP) has announced a thrilling new addition to its 2025 season. At every MLP event throughout the year, fans can tune into these special showcases featuring premium matchups with evening start times.
The league promises an enhanced viewing experience, both in person and virtually, with alternate uniforms worn by participating teams and boosted production quality. This initiative aims to bring even more excitement to the MLP season, which kicks off with all 16 Premier level teams competing at MLP Orlando from April 24-27.
Kansas Amateur Pickleball Championship Offers Shot at World Glory Amidst Scheduling Uncertainty
Aspiring pickleball champions in Kansas have their eyes on the 2025 Kansas Amateur Pickleball Championships, where gold medalists will earn a coveted free entry to the World Championships in Dallas. The tournament, slated for July 18-20 at TAPN Paddles in Wichita, is part of the nationwide Amateur Pickleball State Championship Series. Players of skill levels 3.0 to 5.0 will compete across various age groups in men’s and women’s singles and doubles, as well as mixed doubles. The format includes round-robin matches leading to playoffs for medals.
However, organizers have placed the tournament on hold due to potential date changes, with updates to be provided as soon as confirmed. Despite this uncertainty, the allure of competing for a spot on the national stage remains strong, with top competitors from Kansas expected to participate. Registration had opened on March 15, with fees increasing over time and a final deadline of July 9. Players will be placed in divisions based on their DUPR rating. This event promises strong competition and a significant opportunity for local players to showcase their talent.
Dubai Stakes Claim as Global Pickleball Hub with Open 2025
Dubai is set to host the Pickleball Open 2025 from May 8 to 11, signalling its emergence as a major destination for international pickleball. Organized by PickleTurf Pickleball Club and supported by the Dubai Sports Council, this highly anticipated event aims to attract top pickleball talent from around the world. With the slogan “The Best Don’t Wait. They Rise to the Occasion,” the tournament seeks to elevate the sport's profile in the Middle East.
Registration for the event is now open, with a final deadline of April 24, 2025. The tournament will feature competitive matches across various categories, offering a platform for both seasoned professionals and rising stars. Organizers anticipate large crowds and a significant boost in interest for pickleball in the region, further cementing Dubai's growing status in the global sports scene. Fans and players eagerly await this thrilling showcase of skill and competition.
Gujarat Ignites Pickleball Frenzy with Record-Breaking 250+ Player Tournament
Gujarat is set to host its largest-ever pickleball tournament, the LGT Wealth India Gujarat Masters 2025, in Vadodara from March 21 to 23. This historic event, organized by the Pickleball Association of Gujarat (PAG) under the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), will feature over 250 participants competing across 29 categories. This reflects the rapid growth of pickleball in the region.
The tournament boasts a prize pool of more than ₹5 lakh, marking a significant step in establishing pickleball as a leading and inclusive sport in Gujarat and across India. The PAG, led by experienced former athletes, aims to nurture world-class pickleball talent and has introduced initiatives like a Player Sponsorship Program and the upcoming PAG Labs for high-performance training. This record-breaking participation underscores Gujarat's emergence as a key hub for pickleball in India.
Jammu and Kashmir Unleashes Pickleball Squad for National Championship Showdown
The Jammu and Kashmir Pickleball Association (JKPA) has announced its lineup for the Junior and Senior National Pickleball Tournament 2025, set to take place in Indore from March 22 to 23. A team of 16 players will represent the Union Territory, showcasing the surging presence of pickleball in the region.
The selected squad includes Vivek Sharma, Vikas, Anmol Jandial, and several others. Pawan Singh will serve as the team's coach, with Naresh Sharma appointed as the team manager. The team's official jersey was unveiled at a special ceremony attended by key JKPA officials, including Chairman Ranjit Singh Chib and General Secretary Praval Sharma.
This participation in the national tournament marks a significant step for pickleball in Jammu and Kashmir, providing an invaluable opportunity for local players to compete at a high level and gain national exposure. The team aims to demonstrate their skills and further elevate the sport within the Union Territory.
Philippines' Bacolod to Stage First-Ever International Pickleball Invitational with Big Cash Prizes
One Pickleball Hub Bacolod, a club in the Philippines, will host its first-ever Bacolod International Pickleball Tournament Invitational 2025 in July 2025. This landmark event boasts over ₱400,000 (USD $4,000) in cash prizes, along with medals and bragging rights, making it one of the biggest pickleball tournaments in the Philippines. The competition is open to both local high-level players and international pickleball stars.
The tournament will feature men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles, all in open categories. The entry fee is ₱2,000 (USD $40) per player, with an option to register for a second category at a reduced fee. Champions will receive USD $1,000 (about ₱57,000), a trophy, and medals. Only 20 slots per category are available. This invitational promises intense competition and a significant boost to the pickleball scene in the City of Smiles.
Philippines' Pickleball Phenom Strikes Gold and Silver Again in Asia
The Philippines' Anna Clarice Patrimonio has once again showcased her talent, winning both gold and silver medals at the WPC Asia Pickleball Open Powered by Wine Connection in Pattaya, Thailand. This achievement comes just two months after her gold and bronze wins at the 2025 World Pickleball Championship in Vietnam.
Patrimonio secured gold in the Women’s Singles 19+ Open category, defeating Mihika Yadav. She also partnered with Indonesia's Karina Dwipayani to claim silver in the Women’s Doubles 19+ Open category, reaching the final after a decisive win before ultimately losing to a Thai-Chinese Taipei pair. Patrimonio's recent stellar performances are expected to further elevate her Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) of 5.099 in doubles and 4.924 in singles. Her continued success underscores her position as a leading figure in Asian pickleball.
Vietnamese Pickleball Star Quang Duong Promises Free Paddles on Malaysia Visit
Quang Duong, a rising star in Vietnamese pickleball and a pro competitor on the PPA Tour, is set to visit Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from April 10th to 15th. The 19-year-old sensation announced his upcoming trip on his official Facebook page, exciting fans in one of Southeast Asia's most "pickleball-crazy" countries. Adding to the anticipation, Quang has promised to give away free pickleball paddles to lucky followers of his Instagram account, @avatar_ball_bender.
In his post, Quang urged Malaysian fans to follow his Instagram for a chance to win. The giveaway is exclusive to Malaysia, with winners to be announced on April 6th. Winners can pick up their prizes at @9pickle_ or have them shipped to a Malaysian address. Quang, considered one of Asia's top pickleball talents, aims to further promote the sport during his visit.
Top Tennis Ace Ly Hoang Nam Swaps Racket for Paddle in Bold Pickleball Pivot
Ly Hoang Nam, Vietnam’s most accomplished tennis player, has announced his retirement from professional tennis to fully focus on pickleball. This bold career move was revealed as he participated in a special pickleball exhibition match in Hanoi on March 19, 2025, against top international U17 pickleball players. Hoang Nam stated he was "hooked" by pickleball's accessibility and appeal, believing it suits Vietnamese players well.
His transition, while recent, leverages his physical endurance, agility, and quick reflexes from his tennis career. Now a brand ambassador for Kamito, he competes with the Kamito Alpha pickleball paddle. His entry into the sport is expected to significantly boost pickleball's popularity in Vietnam, where it is still emerging. While not ruling out future tennis involvement, Hoang Nam's current focus is firmly on establishing himself as a competitive pickleball player internationally.
From NFL Gridiron to Pickleball Court: Rodney Adams Embarks on Pro Dream
Former NFL wide receiver Rodney Adams is trading touchdowns for dinks as he pursues a professional pickleball career. Adams, who played five years in the NFL, has joined The Picklr in Loveland, Colorado, to hone his skills in the rapidly growing sport. The Timnath resident was introduced to pickleball by a former football teammate and, now free from NFL contract restrictions, is fully committed to this new athletic journey.
Adams is receiving guidance from top pickleball professionals, including pro player Eli Steiner, Pickleball Hall of Fame nominee Kyle Yates, and The Picklr Loveland owner Leslie Arnold. Yates, a former world No. 1, is actively mentoring Adams. Adams' determination and competitive spirit are evident as he aims to compete at the highest level of pickleball. This transition showcases his continued passion for competition, as he has also announced joining a team in the Ultimate Frisbee Association. His journey from the NFL gridiron to the pickleball court marks an exciting new chapter in his athletic career.
Unlock Your Power: Callie Jo Smith's Overhead Secrets Revealed
Professional pickleball player Callie Jo Smith has taken to Instagram to share her essential tips for a better overhead shot. Smith emphasizes the importance of staying light on your feet and rotating the body sideways for optimal positioning. Her key advice is to “Move with a side shuffle, no backpedalling!” to maintain balance.
Smith also highlights striking the ball at its highest point for maximum control and power. A crucial element of her technique is a quick recovery to the kitchen line after hitting the overhead, ensuring court coverage. These simple yet effective tips from Smith aim to help both beginner and advanced players refine their footwork, positioning, and shot execution to gain a competitive edge. Her insights have sparked discussions within the pickleball community as players look to improve their overhead game.
Master the Wide Shot: Ignatowich's Two-Handed Backhand Breakthrough
Pickleball pro James Ignatowich is offering a game-changing strategy for handling wide shots: the two-handed backhand counter. Ignatowich advises using this technique when the ball is outside the left shoulder, especially against fast or high volleys, to generate more power and control. He contrasts this with the one-handed backhand, which he deems best for shots between the shoulders.
To maximize power with the two-handed backhand, Ignatowich stresses using the left arm and the unit turn (shoulder rotation), cautioning against over-relying on the right arm. He recommends practicing the shoulder motion without the hands initially to build proper mechanics. By implementing this approach for wider shots, players can enhance their backhand volleys and become more competitive.
Level Up Your Game: Roscoe Bellamy Unveils 3 Essential Pickleball Shots
Professional pickleball player Roscoe Bellamy has shared three key shots that are crucial for players looking to advance from a 3.0 to a 4.0 level. First, he emphasizes the solid third shot drop, focusing on hitting the bottom of the ball to land it near the net line, ideally in the middle of the court. Next, Bellamy highlights the importance of a reliable cross-court dink, achieved by leading with the bottom edge of the paddle and extending towards the target.
Finally, Bellamy stresses the advantage of a strong deep serve, recommending aiming for the back third of the opponent's court to force short returns and gain control of the point. Mastering these three shots, according to Bellamy, will significantly enhance a player's consistency and overall game, providing a clear path for improvement in the increasingly popular sport.
Faster Hands Now! Bellamy's Secrets to Kitchen Line Dominance
Professional pickleball player Roscoe Bellamy is back with crucial advice, this time focusing on achieving faster hands at the kitchen line for improved reaction time in fast-paced exchanges. Bellamy identifies three common mistakes to avoid: taking large backswings (advocating for compact swings for quicker recovery), excessive body movement (recommending a still lower body and focus on upper body speed), and fading back from the kitchen line (advising players to hold their ground to prevent downward attacks).
By correcting these errors, players can react more efficiently and gain an edge in hand battles. Bellamy's insights offer practical guidance for players at all levels looking to enhance their speed and control at the non-volley zone line, a critical skill in competitive pickleball.