PPA Asia Events, Coimbatore Champs, MLP Finals & Injury Study

Good morning, pickleballers!

Another update of world pickleball news for you this morning.

Don't forget to check out our two most recent podcasts, too.

First, Gordo and I go back to Telford, where the English Open took place earlier this month. Join us as we bring you the stories from behind the scenes, the key matches and medals and more in this special episode.

Then on Sunday, we talked about:

• The Burger King Cup in Japan
• The World Pickleball League on Tour in Hyderabad
• The new women-only pro league in India
• PPA Asia and their latest tournament in Hong Kong
• And what the latest DUPR update really means!

Here's the global pickleball news from the last 24 hours.

PPA Tour Asia Launches Back-to-Back Cups in Malaysia and Vietnam, Featuring Global Stars

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The PPA Tour Asia is set to electrify the continent with back-to-back Cups in Malaysia and Vietnam, bringing world-class pickleball to the region. The action kicks off with the Malaysia Cup from September 24-28, 2025, hosted at 9Pickle Setia Alam and Setia City Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Following immediately, the tour moves to Da Nang, Vietnam, for the Vietnam Cup from September 30 to October 4, 2025, at Tien Son Sports Arena and Tuyen Son Sports Complex.

Each prestigious event boasts a substantial US$150,000 pro prize pool and will feature some of pickleball’s biggest names, solidifying the sport's rapid growth across Asia. Headlining the star-studded lineup is Ben Johns, renowned for over 150 PPA Tour titles in the USA, bringing his "GOAT experience" to Asia. He will be joined by No.1 Men’s Singles sensation Federico Staksrud and doubles queen Anna Bright. Other fan favourites slated to compete include Tyson McGuffin, Tyra Hurricane Black, Christian Alshon, Zane Navratil, Zoey Chao Yi Wang, Kaitlyn Christian, and Alix Truong.

Kimberly Koh, UPA Asia Managing Director, expressed immense excitement, stating that these inaugural PPA Tour Asia Cups, in collaboration with local hosts, will allow regional players to challenge the world's best. Beyond the professional circuit, both tournaments will also host amateur action, enabling players of all ages and divisions to compete alongside the pros for gold medals and bragging rights. This dual focus underscores PPA Tour Asia's commitment to developing the sport at all levels across the continent.

PPA Tour Descends on Las Vegas for Walgreens Open; Waters/Bright and Johns/Waters Lead Star-Studded Field

Las Vegas, United States – Following an exciting conclusion to the MLP season, the professional pickleball world shifts its focus to the PPA Tour’s Walgreens Open at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, kicking off on August 25, 2025. The event promises thrilling competition with all the sport's major stars in attendance, setting the stage for several highly anticipated matchups.

A central question revolves around the unbeaten women’s doubles duo of Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright. Having dominated their partnership without losing a single game, they face a potential semifinal clash against the strong #3 seed, Jorja Johnson and Tyra Black. In women's singles, the field opens significantly with Waters sitting out, making top seeds Kate Fahey and Kaitlyn Christian strong contenders among a deep roster of talented pros.

Mixed doubles will see the formidable pair of Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns as the top seed. With JW Johnson absent, the #2 seed goes to Catherine Parenteau and Christian Alshon, while Anna Bright partners with Federico Staksrud as the #3 seed, aiming to boost Staksrud's mixed doubles record.

Men’s singles remains the most unpredictable event, with top seeds Federico Staksrud and Hunter Johnson facing a "gauntlet" of excellent players. The men's doubles event sees Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio aiming for a third consecutive gold medal, challenged by #2 Federico Staksrud/Hayden Patriquin and #3 Andrei Daescu/Christian Alshon. According to analyst Jim Kloss, Daescu/Alshon are predicted to upset Johns/Tardio in men's doubles. All the action will be broadcast on Pickleballtv.

 

Arun and Rishi Clinch Intermediate Men's Doubles Title at Coimbatore Pickleball Open

Coimbatore, India – The Coimbatore Pickleball Open 2025 saw Arun V and Rishi Vardhan rise to glory, capturing the Intermediate Men’s Doubles championship on August 25, 2025. In a thrilling final, the duo showcased exceptional composure to defeat Prabalganj A and Balaji LR with a score of 11-2, 11-9.

Their path to the coveted title was anything but straightforward, requiring a series of strong performances against top-tier competition. Arun and Rishi commenced their tournament run with a confident victory over Adrian Costa and Mufaddal Habib J. They then navigated through the quarterfinals, overcoming Yogeswaran Gautama and Harish Desu. The semifinals presented a significant challenge, testing their resilience, but the pair remained steadfast, securing their place in the final by defeating Govindh Rajkumar and Akshay Thangavel.

The final match was a testament to both teams' determination, with neither side willing to yield an inch. Yet, it was Arun and Rishi's sustained form and mental fortitude, honed in the earlier rounds, that ultimately gave them the edge, leading to their well-deserved triumph. This victory at the Coimbatore Pickleball Open highlights their burgeoning talent and strategic prowess in the sport.

The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), as the official governing body for pickleball in India, actively promotes, develops, and organises the sport nationwide. Through events like the IPA Nationals and regional opens, the association fosters a vibrant pickleball community and inspires players across all ages and skill levels. The IPA's affiliations with the Asian Pickleball Association (APA) and the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) further underscore India's growing presence on the international pickleball stage, with the Pickleball World Ranking (PWR) system defining top Indian players for team selections at various levels.

Gowtham and Ranjit Conquer Men's Doubles Open in Thrilling Coimbatore Final

Coimbatore, India – In a nail-biting Men’s Doubles Open final at the Coimbatore Pickleball Open 2025, Gowtham R and Ranjit Kupli emerged victorious on August 25, 2025. The duo demonstrated incredible grit and calm under pressure, overcoming Ashrith Logan and Abhishek Prasad in a tense three-game battle that ended 2-1 (10-11, 11:3, 9:11).

Gowtham and Ranjit’s championship journey began with a confident win against Adil Cassim and Jaswanth Subramani in their opening match. They then secured a tight victory over Vignesh S and Vishwajit Tirumurti, followed by a composed performance in the semifinal to defeat Sanjay V and Manickavasagam S. These earlier challenges prepared them for the high stakes of the final, which was decided by the slimmest of margins.

Logan and Prasad started strong, taking the first game, but Gowtham and Ranjit responded fiercely in the second, saving crucial points to level the match. In the decisive third game, the eventual champions maintained their composure, clinching the final two rallies to secure the crown. Their ability to rebound and execute under pressure was key to their triumph.

Hometown Hero Boopathy Sakthivel Reigns Supreme in Men's Singles at Coimbatore Pickleball Open

Coimbatore, India – The Coimbatore Pickleball Open culminated in a triumphant moment for local favourite Boopathy Sakthivel, who secured the Men's Singles Open title on August 25, 2025. Delivering a stellar performance on his home courts, Sakthivel outmanoeuvred Opes Thejio in the final with a commanding score of 11-0, 11-8.

Sakthivel's victory was particularly sweet, achieved amidst a "very intense" competition featuring seasoned players from various states across India. He attributed his success to a disciplined approach, explaining that his key strategy was to "play slow" and adhere strictly to his game plan. Despite his opponent's speed and ability to challenge him in the second set, Boopathy's composure and strategic execution allowed him to pull through.

Following his win, Boopathy shared his happiness with Times Now, acknowledging the tournament's excellent organisation and the valuable experience gained from competing against such high-calibre players. He also expressed his commitment to continued improvement, aiming for even higher-level tournaments in the future.

This win not only signifies a personal milestone for Sakthivel but also highlights the vibrant pickleball scene in Coimbatore, fostered by hosts like the Coimbatore Super Smashers. Such events contribute to the broader development of pickleball in India, supported by organisations like the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) and the national Pickleball World Ranking (PWR) system, which continues to inspire and elevate players across the country. Boopathy’s local triumph adds another inspiring chapter to the sport’s burgeoning narrative.

Rishi Vandhan Captures Intermediate Men's Singles Crown at Coimbatore Pickleball Open

Coimbatore, India – Rishi Vandhan demonstrated exceptional form and consistency to claim the Intermediate Men’s Singles title at the Coimbatore Pickleball Open on August 25, 2025. Vandhan secured his championship with a 15-11 victory over Veera Anish in a final that showcased intense competition between two in-form players.

Rishi’s triumphant campaign began with a decisive win against Abhiram Prasad in the opening round. He then smoothly progressed through the quarterfinals, defeating Ramakrishnan Rangaraju, before demonstrating remarkable composure in the semifinal to overcome Balaji L R and secure his place in the final. His opponent, Veera Anish, also had a dominant run, dispatching Sunil Kumar, Aarav Jain, and Vineeth R Nair en route to the summit clash.

The final promised a fierce battle, and while Veera Anish started brightly, it was Rishi Vandhan's consistent play and sharp shot selection that ultimately shifted the momentum in his favour. His ability to maintain a high level of performance throughout the tournament, especially in critical moments, proved to be the deciding factor.

Tirumurti and Samhitha Secure Mixed Doubles Open Title at Coimbatore Pickleball Open

Coimbatore, India – In a tightly contested final at the Coimbatore Pickleball Open, Vishwajit Tirumurti and Sai Samhitha clinched the Mixed Doubles Open title on August 25, 2025. The pair showcased remarkable nerve and composure, narrowly defeating Spandana PV and Kasturi Viphne with a final score of 11-5, 11-10.

Vishwajit and Sai Samhitha embarked on a strong tournament run, beginning with a powerful win against Surya Kumar and Harini S. They continued their impressive form by beating Harini Suresh and Rohit Ahuja in the quarterfinals. Their mental toughness was further tested in the semifinal, where they overcame Madhuritha S and Sanjay V to book their place in the championship match. Their opponents, Spandana PV and Kasturi Viphne, also had a robust path to the final, notably defeating Sravanann Chandrasekar and Preerna Prathap in the quarterfinals and outlasting Rithika Ramakrishna and Anish Frolian in the semifinals.

The final lived up to its billing as an exciting contest. Vishwajit and Sai Samhitha dominated the opening game, preventing their opponents from establishing control. While Spandana and Kasturi mounted a spirited fightback in the second set, Tirumurti and Samhitha held firm, with their mental toughness and composure making the ultimate difference to seal the championship.

 

Columbus Sliders Defy Odds, Crowned 2025 MLP Champions

United States – The Columbus Sliders completed an unforgettable run to claim the 2025 Major League Pickleball (MLP) championship on August 25, 2025. Seeded #5, the Sliders embarked on a gruelling gauntlet, defeating the top three seeded teams – #2 Dallas, #1 St. Louis, and finally #3 New Jersey in the finals – to secure their well-deserved crown. This remarkable achievement stands as the most impressive postseason feat in MLP's short history.

The Sliders' journey was characterised by an extraordinary team effort, with all four players contributing significantly. However, Andrei Daescu emerged as the undeniable playoff MVP, lauded for his consistently great pickleball and his role as the team’s emotional bedrock. His play repeatedly elevated the team, and his steady presence on the sidelines constantly encouraged his teammates. Parris Todd also played a pivotal role, particularly in the final alongside Daescu.

In the final against New Jersey, the energy from both sides was palpable, making for exceptional pickleball. New Jersey initially took a 2-1 lead, but the mixed doubles pair of Daescu and Todd delivered a career-defining performance, winning 11-2 against Anna Leigh Waters and Will Howells to force a DreamBreaker. After New Jersey secured the first DreamBreaker, Columbus flipped the script in the second, maintaining a lead for a 21-15 victory. The championship ultimately culminated in a third match, where Daescu and Todd decisively closed it out with an 11-6 win, securing the title. The Columbus Sliders' championship win highlights their resilience and the extraordinary talent within their roster.

 

Study Reveals Alarming Injury Rates as Pickleball Players Play Through Pain

United States – A groundbreaking study conducted by Saint Louis University’s Translational Injury Prevention Lab has unveiled a concerning reality within the rapidly growing sport of pickleball: nearly 70% of players experience injury or discomfort annually, with one in three admitting they continue to play despite ongoing pain. Published on August 25, 2025, the research surveyed 1,758 pickleball players aged 18 to 102 across the U.S., offering the most comprehensive look yet at injury patterns beyond emergency room visits.

The findings highlight a "paradox of pickleball" – immense popularity coupled with a significant physical toll. Specifically:

• 68.5% of players reported an all-complaint injury or physical issue in the past year.
• 40.8% experienced time-loss injuries, forcing them off the court for at least a day.
• 51.2% suffered non-time-loss injuries, encompassing various aches and strains.

The most common problem areas identified were the knee (29.1%), followed by the lower leg/foot (26.9%) and shoulder (22.2%). Notably, overuse/chronic conditions (35.3%) were more prevalent than acute sprains or strains, suggesting repetitive wear and tear is a major factor.

The study also pinpointed key injury predictors:

• Middle-aged players (33-62 years) face the highest injury risk (around 77%).
• Men are 33% more likely to be injured than women.
• Playing three or more times per week increases injury odds by 45%.
• Players with less than five years of experience were 50% more likely to report injuries.

This critical research underscores the urgent need for tailored injury prevention strategies to ensure the sport's long-term health benefits are not overshadowed by preventable physical issues. Ignoring pain, the study warns, is unsustainable and could lead to being sidelined permanently.

Weyburn's Deana Mainil Secures Gold and Bronze at Canadian National Pickleball Championships

Winnipeg, Canada – Weyburn’s own Deana Mainil delivered an outstanding performance at the Myoflex Canadian National Pickleball Championships, held from August 19-24, 2025, at the Taylor Tennis Center. Competing against over 720 athletes from across the country, Mainil distinguished herself by capturing both a gold and a bronze medal.

Mainil's golden moment came in the Full Court Women's Singles 4.0 skill level (age 55+), where she remained completely undefeated throughout the competition. Her dominance in this category showcased her individual skill and strategic prowess. In addition to her singles triumph, Mainil teamed up with Brenda Hawryluk from Spruce Grove, AB, to earn a bronze medal in the Women's Doubles 4.5 skill level (age 50+). Their journey to bronze involved a bye, a win, and then fierce three-game battles, demonstrating resilience on the B-side of the draw.

While not reaching the podium in all her events, Mainil’s competitive spirit was evident across her participation. Alongside Dave Clarke, she placed 8th in Mixed Doubles 4.0+ (50+) and represented Team Sask in the Provincial Competition, contributing 7 points, the highest of any Team Sask team.

Reflecting on her experience, Mainil described it as "unforgettable" and "very fun," emphasising the opportunity to reconnect with pickleball friends and play at an unprecedented level. She noted, "It's a game where the learning never ends and I feel this experience, win or lose, has made me a much better competitor". Her success at the national level underscores her dedication and the growing competitive landscape of Canadian pickleball.