Spain Win Euro Champs | Selkirk Sparta Launch | Global Highlights
Hello there pickleballers!
Sorry for a few days silence - I've been in Rome commentating on the 2025 European Pickleball Championships.
More on that later - and if you missed the two podcasts we did, check them below (also available on iTunes and Spotify)
But, there's been lots of pickleball news - so here it is.
Spain crowned Champions of Europe at historic Italian venue
Rome, Italy - The 2025 European Pickleball Championships took place over the weekend in Rome where 30 nations travelled to Italy with the dream of lifting the Presidents' Cup.
Defending champions England were looking to repeat their success of 10 months ago but were up against a very strong Spanish squad, who started the tournament slowly picking up a single medal on Singles Friday. It was Marcello Jardim who won the Senior Open, beating Stefano Cucuzza of Switzerland. England's James Chaudry took gold in the Men's Open seeing off Bartosz Karbownik of Poland. Italy's Paula Tampieri came back to win the Women's Senior Final against England's Anna Linton and PPA Australia and Asia star, Roos Van Reek of Netherlands overcame injury and Italy's Federica Rumi to claim gold in the Women's Open.
That meant it was very open heading into Gender Doubles Saturday and this was the day the Spanish accelerated, almost clinching the Championships on Day Two.
They contested each final - Glauka Carvajal-Lane and Sabrina Mendes beat England's Thaddea Lock and Katie Morris in the Women's Open. They took silver in the Women's Senior - losing to England's Anna Linton and Kirsty Gray. The Men's Senior almost saw a shock as Sweden went close to taking the first game, but the pair of Jardim and Dani Paco Lopez came back strong to take the gold.
However, the game of the tournament was in the Men's Open - Austria, having beaten England in the quarter-finals and Lithuania in the semis went up against the pair of Pep Canyadell and Mauro Garcia. Austria's Stephen Preissler and Prycen Haas dominated game one, winning 11-2. The Spanish came back and reversed the scoreline in game two. Spain led 6-0 in game three before Austria rattled off 11 unanswered points to claim gold in a stunning comeback victory.
These points meant it needed a huge turnaround on Sunday for Spain to be caught and with England going out in the QF stages in Open and Senior, Team Espana knew they had won the title before playing out their mixed doubles finals.
These finals were not without drama - Canyadell suffering another comeback disaster for the second day. Spain led Netherlands 9-3 in the second game, the Dutch pair of Van Reek and Pieter De Vries having taken game one. The Netherlands turned it around, taking the second game and gold - their second gold medal in Rome.
Jardim and Monica Ramires won the final gold medal available, defeating team Italy who, as a team, took the bronze medal with England finishing second in the final standings.
Foro Italico in Rome raised the bar for the European Championships - 11 of the 30 nations involved medalled, showing that the standard across the continent is levelling up fast.
Selkirk Launches Sparta Combine: A Blueprint for Global Talent Scouting
Coeur d’Alene, USA – Selkirk Sport is pioneering a new standard for athlete development with the launch of its first-of-its-kind pickleball combine. This groundbreaking initiative, dubbed the Selkirk Sparta Program, is set to take place at Selkirk’s headquarters in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, from September 22 to 24, 2025. The program is specifically designed to identify and cultivate the next generation of professional pickleball stars, providing them with a clear pathway to the pro circuit.
Twelve elite athletes—six men and six women—will undergo three days of rigorous activity. The combine features advanced performance testing, live match play, and professional coaching, including one-on-one instruction from renowned coach Morgan Evans. Crucially, the combine relies on data-driven performance assessments, focusing on measurable metrics like agility, endurance, technique under pressure, speed, reaction times, movement, and consistency, rather than just flashy shots or match results.
Selected athletes from the Sparta Program will receive sustained, ongoing support beyond the initial combine. This includes mentorship, coaching, and financial assistance such as paid travel and development opportunities, tackling barriers that often limit potential competitors.
The ambitious venture by Selkirk is positioned as a blueprint for other pickleball brands seeking to discover and nurture young talent, foster brand loyalty, and gain recognition. Asian brands, in particular, such as Sypik and Facolos, are encouraged to study Selkirk's strategy: be bold, invest in talent, and establish clear pathways from local to international competition. By aligning the brand with the sport's future generation, Selkirk demonstrates that it invests in the game itself, strengthening its market position and building long-term goodwill. Asian brands can view emerging talent as brand ambassadors, amplifying their success stories in marketing efforts.
Johns and Alshon Form Power Pairing at Panas Malaysia Cup
Shah Alam, Malaysia – The PPA Tour Asia Panas Malaysia Cup is kicking off with a major headline: Ben Johns and Christian Alshon will partner in men’s doubles for the very first time, entering the field as the undisputed top seeds. The highly anticipated competition begins main draw action on Thursday, broadcasting live on Pickleballtv.
Alshon, who previously enjoyed playing against Johns because he felt he could control Johns’ attacking style, expressed excitement about the partnership, noting that the chance to play with Ben Johns does not come around every day. Alshon added that while they should do well, the competition overseas is continually improving.
Beyond the new top-seeded doubles team, Alshon holds the top seed in men’s singles. His Texas Ranchers teammate, Kaitlyn Christian, also dominates the women’s side, securing the top seed in women’s singles. Christian will also compete in mixed doubles alongside Alshon.
The stacked men's doubles field features other notable pairings such as Tyson McGuffin/Eric Oncins and Zane Navratil/Armaan Bhatia. The women's doubles draw includes high-profile teams like Kaitlyn Christian/Chao Yi (Zoey) Wang and Anna Bright/Roos van Reek, while siblings Alix Truong and Jonathan Truong will partner up in mixed doubles. The PPA Tour Asia event promises thrilling competition as global stars converge on the region.
Badminton Legend Kidambi Srikanth Invests in Hyderabad Pickleball League
Hyderabad, India – India's former men's singles World No. 1 badminton player, Kidambi Srikanth, is making a major power move into pickleball, joining the inaugural Hyderabad Pickleball League (HPL) as an investor in the Nandi Chargers franchise. Srikanth’s involvement brings significant star power and championship experience to the league, which is set to debut in Hyderabad this October.
The HPL will feature eight franchise teams, with matches scheduled to be played every Friday night from October 10 through November 28. The addition of Srikanth ensures the Nandi Chargers are expected to be one of the most exciting teams of the season.
Srikanth, who holds more than a dozen international badminton titles, emphasised his enthusiasm for the new venture. He believes pickleball is poised to connect with fans across India because it is fast-paced, dynamic, accessible, thrilling to watch, and highly competitive.
"What excites me most is the opportunity to bring my sporting experience into a new arena and to help raise the profile of this league," Srikanth stated, noting that being involved at the start of the journey is especially meaningful.
Anirudh Ponnala, franchise owner of the Nandi Chargers, welcomed the badminton champion, noting that Srikanth’s stature brings immense credibility and energy to the team. Ponnala hopes to build a franchise that stands for excellence, competitiveness, and a winning spirit alongside the new investor.
Canadian National Pickleball League Playoffs Set for London Showdown
London, Canada – The CNPL III Playoffs are set to ignite the chase for Canada’s top pickleball title, with eight teams clashing at Smash Pickleball in London, Ontario, on October 4–5, 2025. Following months of regular-season play, the ultimate showdown promises two days of action-packed competition as teams vie for the Canadian National Pickleball League III Championship.
Fans unable to attend the venue in person can watch every rally and dramatic finish live, as all matches will air on the Game+ Network.
The opening round features four high-intensity contests. The defending champion Lions, known for their steady play, will face the Drive, a team characterised by explosive speed and bold shots. In another key matchup, the tactical Owls will take on the Toronto United, who finished as the season champions and are determined to secure their place back on top.
Host team Smash hopes to leverage the London crowd advantage against the fast-rising Lights, who have been gaining significant momentum. Meanwhile, the steady Pronghorns will rely on discipline when they clash with the Brewers, a team that thrives on aggressive, unconventional tactics. The winning team will not only earn the title of Canadian champions but also cement its place in league history, driven by a hunger for glory.
Chin and Fajardo Sweep Gold at Jamaica’s Historic Open
Kingston, Jamaica – The first-ever Jamaica International Pickleball Open, held on September 13–14, 2025, made history as the nation's first government-approved pickleball event and one of the largest staged in the Caribbean. Filipino pair Christina Chin and Ernesto Fajardo captured the top honours, showcasing world-class skill that thrilled spectators.
The tournament was held at the Pickle Chill facility, powered by JOOLA and co-hosted by Island Athletic Co. and the Tourism Enhancement Fund. Chin achieved a remarkable triple crown, securing gold in Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles (partnering with Joanna Marzouca), and Mixed Doubles (with Fajardo). Fajardo also claimed gold in Men’s Singles, cementing his dual victory alongside Chin in Mixed Doubles.
JOOLA CEO Richard Lee noted the event marked another step toward the company's goal of expanding the sport globally, praising the enthusiasm, pride, and skill demonstrated in Jamaica. Aman Chatani, Director of Island Athletic Co., highlighted that the partnership was a "massive step" in positioning Jamaica and the Caribbean as emerging hubs for global pickleball.
Beyond the elite competition that drew professionals globally, the event successfully blended sport with local culture. Attendees enjoyed Caribbean music from local DJs and drinks from sponsors, with players and guests even visiting the famous Dub Club reggae spot to celebrate. Organisers view the success of this event as a major milestone for growing the sport across the region.
APP Women’s Open Combines Pro Pickleball with Cancer Advocacy
Columbus, USA – The second annual 2025 APP Women’s Open presented by The James is set to take place October 3–5 at Pickle & Chill, the Midwest's largest dedicated indoor/outdoor pickleball facility in Columbus, Ohio. This three-day APP Showcase Series event is centred on celebrating and honouring women while benefiting the newly established APP Women’s Cancer Fund at The James.
The fund specifically supports the research and treatment of cancers affecting women, including breast and gynecologic cancers. The event coincides with the start of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) is collaborating extensively with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James), which returns as the official presenting partner.
The collaboration extends beyond fundraising (via ticket sales and custom merchandise), incorporating awareness efforts, such as the Sunscreen Time Out Lounge presented by The James to promote sun safety, and the uplifting “Who Do You Dink For” moment to honour patients, survivors, and caregivers.
Further community initiatives include the return of Victoria’s Secret & Co., presenting the "Dream Big Summit," a panel designed to connect and inspire dozens of young women (high school and college age) on themes of self-confidence and self-advocacy. Additionally, CAS and OSUCCC – James will host a private educational community lecture on breast cancer research, featuring a meet-and-greet with an APP Tour player. Longtime sponsor AARP will also host a pickleball clinic for over 50 community members aged 50 and older.
PPA Stars Head to Da Nang: FPT Play Promises Premier Broadcast of MB Vietnam Cup
Da Nang, Vietnam – World-class pickleball action is scheduled to take place at the MB Vietnam Cup 2025, organised by PPA Tour Asia, running from September 30 to October 4. The tournament is expected to be fierce and star-studded, attracting a mix of Asia’s top players and global professionals.
For fans who cannot attend the venue in Da Nang, FPT Play—a major Vietnamese digital content and entertainment platform—is stepping up as the exclusive broadcaster and co-organiser (alongside Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank). To Nam Phuong, Deputy Director of FPT, is promising top-notch coverage using advanced broadcasting technology, ensuring world-class images fitting for a world-class event. This marks the second PPA Tour Asia event held in Vietnam.
The event boasts undeniable star power, with global superstars slated to compete immediately following the Panas Malaysia Cup. The lineup includes Ben Johns, Tyson McGuffin, Christian Alshon, Zane Navratil, Kaitlyn Christian, Zoey Chao Yi Wang, and Alix Truong.
Vietnam's emerging talent will be well-represented, led by local stars such as Panas Malaysia Open gold medallist Trinh Linh Giang and Vietnam Open 2025 champion Phuc Huynh. With major international participation and a commitment to high-quality broadcasting, the MB Vietnam Cup 2025 is Vietnam’s most anticipated pickleball event of the year.
Filipino Duo Zoleta and Raymundo Crowned World Pickleball Champions in Bali
Bali, Indonesia – Filipino athletes Bambi Zoleta and Patricia Raymundo achieved global success, capturing the gold medal in the women’s doubles 19+ 4.5 category at the World Pickleball Championship 2025 Tier 5. The duo demonstrated a formidable performance throughout the tournament, which wrapped up over the weekend.
Zoleta and Raymundo’s path to victory was flawless. They swept all seven matches in the round-robin elimination stage. Their dominant run culminated in a decisive 21-6 victory in the final match against Marine Demol and Mila Yatmi. This lopsided score underscored the Philippine pair's control, showcasing a potent combination of powerful serves, strategic volleys, and precise shot placement.
The final repeat victory was particularly impressive, considering they had faced and defeated Demol and Yatmi previously in a closer 11-7 match during the round-robin stage, highlighting their ability to adapt their game plan on the biggest stage.
For Bambi Zoleta, the gold medal marks a significant highlight in her versatile multi-sport career, having previously won a soft tennis gold medal at the Southeast Asian Games. Zoleta expressed happiness and pride in bringing the gold medal home to the Philippines, confirming that their hard work and training paid off. Raymundo praised their excellent chemistry on the court and the mutual support they provided throughout the tournament.
Pro James Ignatowich Shifts Focus, Launches New Paddle Brand RPM
USA – Professional pickleball player James Ignatowich is transitioning from being Selkirk-sponsored to launching his own paddle brand, RPM, with a hard launch scheduled for September 29, 2025. The brand, whose name RPM is short for "revolutions per minute," is appropriately prioritising spin in its signature line, the Friction Pro Series.
Ignatowich revealed that this entrepreneurial venture grew out of necessity and passion. Despite being sponsored by Selkirk Sport, he was often unhappy with his equipment. This frustration spurred him to dedicate six hours or more a day for about a year researching and dissecting paddles from every manufacturer. He created approximately 40 prototypes in his quest to design the perfect paddle, turning the process into a passion.
The Friction Pro Series is specifically designed for higher-level play and features cutting-edge Tri-Density Core Technology. This technology uses three different materials with varying densities within the paddle to maximise the sweet spot size and add solidity to the edge.
The new paddles are already USAP-certified, with UPA-A certification anticipated soon. Ignatowich noted that fellow pro and close friend Ryan Fu is slated to use the Friction Pro on tour once the UPA-A certification is secured, although the paddles will remain "blacked out" through the end of 2025. Ignatowich emphasised that while he initially aimed only to make a better paddle, launching RPM became the fitting culmination of his extensive paddle research journey.
Dominator Nets Raise the Bar for Australian Pickleball Championships
Australia – Pickleball Australia has named Dominator as its official net provider, ensuring the upcoming 2025 Trilogy Funds Australian Pickleball Championships will feature top-quality equipment. Players at the national event, as well as all Pickleball Australia-sanctioned tournaments nationwide, will now compete using the Dominator Rolling Portable Nets.
This partnership sets a new standard for the rapidly growing sport in Australia, ensuring a consistent and professional-grade playing experience for affiliates and competitors across the country.
The Dominator Rolling Portable Nets are highly regarded for their durability and ease of use. Built from rust-proof T6-grade aluminium, the nets are designed to handle outdoor conditions and meet strict USA Pickleball regulations. The design prioritises convenience, featuring locking wheels and a setup time of just 90 seconds, along with a carrying bag for simple storage and movement.
Brendan Lee, Executive Officer of Pickleball Australia, praised the selection, noting that he was "astounded with the quality and simplistic nature and the ease of setup of such a robust net" after observing them firsthand at the Victorian Pickleball Championships. Jake Elms from Dominator Sports confirmed the company's focus on building high-quality, rust-proof equipment that supports the rapid growth of the sport. Dominator, an Australian-owned company, offers a range of high-performance pickleball nets.
Sacramento Vintage Open Takes Pros Back to the Future with Wooden Paddles
Sacramento, USA – The PPA Tour is embracing nostalgia this week as it hosts the Pickleball Central Sacramento Vintage Open at Life Time Arden. The major storyline dominating the event is the requirement for professional players to compete using traditional wooden paddles, supplied by PickleballCentral. This unique format means pros will leave behind the core power and grit of modern paddles—such as JOOLAs and Boomstiks—effectively taking the game back to the 1970s.
The switch negates the power-based, drive-heavy style prevalent in modern pickleball, favouring technicians who can adapt to a more dink-oriented, old-school game. Third-shot drops are expected to be much more prevalent.
Although the tournament is an Open-level event with 1,000 PPA points on the line, many high-ranking players, including Ben Johns, Anna Bright, and Tyson McGuffin, are skipping Sacramento to compete instead in the PPA Asia Malaysia Cup.
Despite the smaller draw, the wooden paddle element adds massive unpredictability. Experts anticipate that players known for their precision and soft game will benefit most. Collin Johns is highlighted as the individual whose style perfectly fits the physics of the wooden paddle. The men's doubles team of Andrei Daescu and Collin Johns are top seeds and are expected to thrive in the adapted format. On the women's side, Lea Jansen, known for relentlessly attacking the net, is predicted to have an advantage over passing-shot specialists. Main draw action is broadcast from Thursday, September 25 through Sunday, September 28, on Pickleballtv.