Quang Duong Auction Record, Paddle Rules Shake-Up and PPA Thrillers
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Here's the global pickleball news from the last 24 hours.
Quang Duong Shatters Records at Asia's Biggest Pickleball Auction in Mumbai
Mumbai, India – The Global Sports Pickleball Season 2 Pro and Challenger League auction, held on Monday in Mumbai, made history as Asia's largest pickleball auction to date, showcasing a massive investment of up to ₹6.6 crore in global and Indian talent. Vietnam's Quang Duong emerged as the costliest player, fetching a staggering ₹27 lakh from the Mumbai Chhatrapati Warriors.
The Pro League saw a flurry of high-value bids for international stars. American Megan Fudge was acquired by Ahmedabad Olympians for ₹25.50 lakh, followed by Jack Munro (USA) to Jaipur Stallions for ₹25 lakh, Bobbi Oshiro (USA) to Delhi Snipers for ₹24.50 lakh, and Roos Van Reek (Netherlands) to Hyderabad Vikings for ₹23.50 lakh.
Among Indian players, Harsh Mehta commanded the highest bid, joining the Chennai Cool Cats for ₹21 lakh. Other notable Indian picks included Arjun Singh, signed by Nashik Ninjas for ₹8 lakh, and Aditya Ruhela, who went to Jaipur Stallions for ₹5 lakh. The auction celebrated both burgeoning young talent, exemplified by the 19-year-old Duong, and seasoned professionals like the 38-year-old Fudge.
With ten franchises participating, each allocated a budget of ₹66 lakh (₹55 lakh for the Pro League and ₹11 lakh for the Challenger League), the auction underscored pickleball's rapid professionalisation in India. The significant investments and the blend of international and local stars have set a vibrant stage for Season 2, promising an even more competitive and thrilling display of pickleball.
Paddle Pandemonium Strikes PPA Cincinnati as New UPA-A Rules Take Effect
Cincinnati, USA – The PPA Cincinnati tournament has been rocked by significant paddle drama, as new certification standards mandated by the United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A) came into full effect on September 1, 2025. These pivotal updates aim to ensure fairness and consistency in professional gameplay, requiring all paddles used in pro events to appear on an official certified list.
However, the implementation has left many top pros, including stars like Parris Todd, Anna Leigh Waters, Tyra Black, Andrei Daescu, CJ Klinger, Meghan Dizon, and Gabe Tardio, unable to use their preferred and often signature paddles. Hurricane Tyra Black expressed her frustration on social media, noting she was "shocked" to find her paddle unapproved just days before a crucial Slam event, despite previous testing.
Manufacturers, including Proton, whose popular Flamingo paddle is currently missing from the list, have faced unexpected delays in the re-testing process. Proton's founder, Charles Darling, admitted misjudging the timeline, as each model can take approximately four weeks to pass, with material changes potentially extending the process to two months or more. The UPA-A, in collaboration with Pickle Pro Labs (PPL) and engineers from UMass-Lowell, has developed rigorous standards focusing on spin, power (measured by Paddle Efficiency Factor, or PEF), and durability (using Artificial Break-In Standard, ABI). While the process is described as "Herculean," it is viewed as essential for preserving the fairness of the game and ushering in a "new era of fairness and consistency" in professional pickleball. Despite the equipment challenges, several impacted players, including Black, Daescu, Klinger, and Dizon, managed to secure victories in their opening mixed doubles matches at the high-stakes Cincinnati Slam.
Underdogs Spark Thrilling Victories at Veolia Cincinnati Showcase Opening Rounds
Mason, USA – The opening rounds of the Veolia Cincinnati Showcase, presented by Six Zero at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio, delivered a series of electrifying three-game battles, seeing several underdog teams and players advance in the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour event.
In the Men’s Singles Round of 64, Tam Trinh delivered a stunning performance, overcoming Gabriel Tardio with scores of 11-5, 1-11, 11-3. Trinh’s victory propels him into the next round, while Tardio, despite a strong second game, was eliminated.
The Men’s Doubles Pro Main Draw also witnessed an upset as John Lucian G and Tom Protzek triumphed over Mota Alhouni and Spencer Smith. After taking the first game 11-5, Lucian and Protzek battled back from an 8-11 loss in the second to clinch the decider 11-7, securing their spot in the next stage.
In the Mixed Doubles Round of 64, two pairs emerged victorious from hard-fought contests. Pablo Tellez and Chao Yi Wang staged a comeback against Ivan Jakovljevic and Judit Castillo, winning 7-11, 11-8, 11-8. Similarly, Lacy Schneemann and AJ Koller overcame Nicholas Romano and Kelsey Matthews after dropping the first game, securing their win with scores of 5-11, 11-4, 11-9. Both winning mixed doubles pairs will now advance to the Round of 32, setting the stage for even closer matchups as higher-seeded teams prepare to enter the competition. These early results highlight the competitive depth of the tournament, promising more thrilling pickleball action as the event unfolds.
Hong-kit and Long Dominate Latest PPA Tour Asia Rankings
Asia – The PPA Tour Asia has released its latest rankings as of September 10, 2025, revealing Hong Kong's Jack Wong Hong-kit and China's Yufei Long as the undisputed leaders in men's and women's singles, respectively.
Jack Wong Hong-kit sits atop the Men's Singles category with an impressive 2,400 total points. His success stems from winning the Hong Kong Open 2025, contributing 1,000 points, coupled with two third-place finishes at the Sansan Fukuoka Open and the Panas Malaysia Open (600 points each). A quarter-final appearance at the MB Vietnam Open 2025 added another 200 points to his tally. Hot on his heels is Vietnam's Trinh Giang, ranked second with 2,200 points, having won the Panas Malaysia Open 2025 and secured silver at the Hong Kong Open 2025. Fellow Vietnamese Phuc Huynh rounds out the top three with 1,800 points.
On the women's side, Yufei Long of China demonstrates clear dominance, securing the number one spot with 3,600 points. Long's formidable lead comes from her triple championship victories at the Panas Malaysia Open 2025, Sansan Fukuoka Open 2025, and MB Vietnam Open 2025. Taiwan's Yu-Chieh Hsieh is a distant second with 1,600 points, followed by Australia's Nicola Schoeman in third with 1,400 points.
The rankings also highlight strong performances in doubles categories. Jack Wong Hong-kit also leads Men’s Doubles alongside South Korea’s Kim Eunggwon and Australia’s George Wall, each with 2,200 points. Taiwan’s Wei Ting Chieh heads the Women’s Doubles rankings with 3,200 points, while India’s Vanshik Kapadia leads Mixed Doubles with 1,400 points. These rankings are expected to remain stable for the next three weeks, with potential shifts after the Vietnam Cup and Malaysia Cup events in late September and early October.
Welsh Captain Scott Mayo Inspires Team Wales Ahead of European Championships
Newport, Wales – Scott Mayo, hailing from Newport, is set to lead Team Wales as captain at the upcoming European Championships, bringing a wave of recent success and a unique leadership philosophy to the national squad. Mayo's journey to the captaincy follows a stellar performance at the recent Welsh Open, where he secured runner-up finishes in men’s singles and men’s doubles alongside Rob Adams, and clinched a gold medal in mixed doubles with Maisie Wise. He also contributed to a team event victory with his doubles partners and Georgie Girt.
Mayo's introduction to pickleball was somewhat accidental, discovering it through a gym membership despite lacking a traditional racquet sport background. He found an immediate connection, recalling childhood games of bat and ball, which ignited a "new lease of excitement" that he had previously lost in sports like golf.
As captain, Mayo is driven by a desire to elevate the sport in Wales, hoping to discover and nurture players who can represent the nation at the highest level. He notes that the team has seen drastic improvements over the past year and is now more accustomed to the competitive spotlight. Mayo describes himself as a "thinking person" with a playful side, balancing strategic thought with court-side humour. To foster team spirit and a sense of occasion, he presented each team member with a Lego figurine styled as a gladiator, emblazoned with the Pickleball Wales logo, as a memento. This gesture symbolises his belief in his team as "gladiators," encouraging them to embrace the moment, compete fiercely, and cherish the memory of representing their country.
Farnham to Become UK Pickleball Hub with £2.75M Centre
Farnham, UK – Farnham is set to become a premier destination for racquet sports with a new £2.75 million pickleball and padel centre, scheduled to open in January 2026. This significant investment follows a lease agreement between Rainier Developments and Hurlands Pickleball + Padel Club, securing 13 indoor courts at the Farnham Trading Estate – comprising 10 pickleball courts and three padel courts.
Beyond the courts, the state-of-the-art facility will feature social spaces, yoga and Pilates studios, treatment rooms, changing facilities, and a club shop. Waverley Borough Council, which granted planning permission in 2024 and owns the building, views this as an "exciting new investment" that will bring "fresh opportunities for residents and local businesses" while promoting health and active lifestyles.
Pickleball and padel have seen rapid growth, appealing to players of all ages and abilities due to their low-impact nature and blend of elements from other racquet sports. The Hurlands Farnham club aims to be inclusive, offering 'pay and play' sessions for newcomers alongside competitive facilities for experienced players, complete with 176 parking spaces and full disabled access. Richard Mees, CEO of Rainier Developments, emphasised the centre's role in expanding these sports across the UK, putting Farnham on the map as a destination for both amateur and competitive players. Philip Newborough, Chair of Hurlands, articulated a broader vision, stating that Hurlands Farnham will be "much more than a sports facility," aiming to be a community hub and the first of several high-quality clubs planned for the Southeast in the coming years.
Gramado Showcases Pickleball's Appeal to Seniors at Geronto Fair
Gramado, Brazil – The city of Gramado, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, is embracing pickleball as a key activity for healthy aging, with the local Pickleball Gramado group hosting a clinic at the Geronto Fair through September 5, 2025. Held at the Serra Park Events Center, the fair is the South of Brazil's dedicated showcase for the "Silver Economy," focusing on products, services, and solutions for individuals aged 50 and over.
During the event, Pickleball Gramado introduced attendees to this increasingly popular sport, highlighting its inclusive and dynamic nature. Pickleball, a hybrid of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is played with paddles and a perforated ball on a badminton-sized court. Its easy-to-learn rules make it ideal for all ages, particularly for seniors seeking a safe and enjoyable way to stay active.
Gramado is already a regional hotspot for the sport, boasting two public pickleball courts at the Ginásio Perinão within the Municipal Sports Center. These facilities have become a significant draw, introducing more people to the innovative and accessible sport. The participation of the Gramado group at the Geronto Fair underscores the profound importance of pickleball as a tool for enhancing quality of life, promoting social interaction, and fostering overall well-being among the over-50 population. This initiative not only showcases Gramado's commitment to community health but also solidifies pickleball's growing recognition as a sport that transcends age barriers, promoting active lifestyles and social engagement across generations.
Palm Beach Royals Make History as City's First Pro Sports Team in Major League Pickleball
Palm Beach, USA – Palm Beach is set to make history in 2026 with the introduction of the Palm Beach Royals, the city's inaugural major professional sports franchise, joining Major League Pickleball (MLP) as its 23rd team. This landmark acquisition was made for a record-breaking $16 million by Hyperspace Ventures, a dynamic group of UNC-Chapel Hill alumni and tech entrepreneurs.
The ownership group boasts an impressive roster of sports and business luminaries, including former Tar Heel tennis players Zach Hunter, Taylor Meyer, and Alex Rafiee, alongside Peter Fox. The star power extends to Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov, US Open champion Bianca Andreescu, former UNC basketball stars Tyler Hansbrough and Marvin Williams, Indianapolis Colts Pro Bowler Kenny Moore II, and successful founders Mitch Heath, Jeff Keswin, Lance Pillersdorf, and Scott Scherr.
The Royals join the MLP following a 2025 season marked by unprecedented growth in attendance, broadcast reach, and sponsorships. Zach Hunter, representing the ownership, expressed the city's readiness for a major pro team, stating, "We're building the Royals to compete at the highest level and to become a team that defines the next era of Major League Pickleball. Just like Palm Beach itself, the Royals will embody prestige, energy, and a world-class brand that makes this community special".
Hyperspace Ventures demonstrates a deep commitment to pickleball, having invested over $21 million in the sport, including a significant $5.3 million in Pickleball Inc.. The team plans to actively engage with the community by hosting matches, youth clinics, and pickleball festivals across Palm Beach County, forging local business partnerships to embed pickleball firmly into the region's athletic culture. Taylor Meyer reiterated the group's dedication, remarking, "We want every Palm Beach area resident to feel like they're part of the Royals family, whether they're cheering courtside or picking up a paddle for the first time".
Perak Open Pickleball Championship Attracts Global Talent and Boosts Sports Tourism
Perak, Malaysia – The 2025 Perak Open Pickleball Championship is drawing significant international attention, with players from China and Singapore among the over 200 participants registered for the event set to take place on September 13 and 14. Hosted at the Pickleball Fun Club, this championship is poised to be the largest pickleball event ever organised in Perak, a collaborative effort between the Perfect Sports Pickleball Club and Pickleball Fun Club Ipoh.
The tournament boasts a substantial cash prize of 40,000 Malaysian ringgit, attracting a diverse field of talent. Participants can register until September 11 and will compete across three main categories: new players, amateurs, and open competition, which further includes six sub-categories such as men’s doubles and mixed doubles.
Datuk Mohamad Kamil Shafie, Chairman of Tourism Perak, highlighted the championship's broader impact, emphasising its role in providing a platform for emerging national talents who could potentially represent Perak in future Malaysia Games. Furthermore, the organisers are leveraging events like the Perak Open to strategically position Perak as a prominent destination for sports tourism, showcasing the region's capability to host significant international sporting events and draw global visitors. This championship not only promotes the burgeoning sport of pickleball but also significantly contributes to Perak's profile on the international sports stage.
UPA Partners with Kalshi, Bringing Legal Pickleball Trading to All 50 States
USA – The United Pickleball Association (UPA) has announced a landmark one-year exclusive partnership with Kalshi, a predictions market that will bring legal trading on pickleball outcomes to all 50 U.S. states. This groundbreaking deal marks a significant step into the realm of sports wagering for professional pickleball events affiliated with the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP).
Kalshi differentiates itself by not categorising its exchanges as "bets" but rather as a platform where users can "buy Yes or No positions with respect to whether an event will happen or not". Notably, Kalshi is the first CFTC-regulated exchange dedicated to trading on future events and seamlessly integrates with the popular financial services platform, Robinhood.
For the ongoing PPA Cincinnati tournament, Kalshi is already offering trading opportunities on the outcomes of the five professional disciplines: Men's Singles, Women's Singles, Mixed Doubles, Men's Doubles, and Women's Doubles, with nearly $5,000 already in the collective pot. Looking ahead, Kalshi futures will be available for all PPA and MLP events, covering the outcomes of each pro discipline, plus an additional five "matches of interest" daily, as determined by Kalshi.
The UPA released a statement acknowledging this new venture, indicating that the organisation will "continue to formulate strategic plans around futures markets and sports wagering this year and beyond". This partnership follows previous discussions around platforms like Polymarket, which had listed MLP events but was not available for U.S.-based trading. The collaboration with Kalshi signifies a new era for fan engagement in professional pickleball, allowing enthusiasts across the nation to actively participate in predicting and trading on the outcomes of their favourite events.