Will Howells Joins PPA, Triple Crowns Shine, Global Pickleball News
Good morning, pickleballers!
Gordo and I are about to record this week's podcast, but before we do that here's some more pickleball news from around the world in the last 24 hours.
Community Spirit Shines as Suffolk’s Dee Barham Packs a Punch at Awards
Suffolk, United Kingdom – The incredible growth of pickleball in East Anglia was celebrated in style this week as Suffolk Punch Pickleball was named Club of the Year by Active Suffolk. The accolades did not stop there for the vibrant community hub, as the club was also nominated for Team of the Year, while its mastermind, Christina “Dee” Barham, was recognized as a finalist in the prestigious Unsung Hero and Activity Champion categories.
Barham, who serves as the Pickleball England representative for the county, has been instrumental in the sport's regional explosion. Under her guidance, the East Anglian league has doubled in size, expanding from eight teams and two divisions in its inaugural year to 16 teams across four divisions currently, with further expansion on the horizon.
Speaking to Pickleball 52, Barham expressed her gratitude, noting that the recognition was "emotional" and that she felt honored simply to be nominated alongside other inspirational figures in the county. However, her true motivation remains the players themselves. “What motivates me is seeing the joy, seeing people return week after week,” Barham explained. She highlighted the sport's dual benefits, serving as a mental health escape for some and a catalyst for physical transformation for others.
“Everyone has a story, and I love getting to know people and encouraging their pickleball journey,” Barham said, emphasizing that for Suffolk Punch, “It really is all about the community!”.
Speed and Aggression Define Inaugural Indian Pickleball League as Mumbai Smashers Triumph
Mumbai, India – The inaugural Indian Pickleball League (IPBL) has concluded with the Mumbai Smashers claiming the first-ever title, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the region. The league has drawn attention not just for its champions, but for showcasing a distinct, high-octane style of play that contrasts sharply with the established American professional circuit.
Derek Prince, a PPR Certified Instructor and data analyst who officiated the league, observed that the Indian style of play is notably faster and more aggressive than what is typically seen in the United States. “When I look at some of the pro events in the United States, especially on the men’s side, players are much more patient. They will dink 20 or 30 shots in a rally,” Prince noted. In contrast, the IPBL featured less soft-game play and a higher tempo, with Prince noting that the standard was "very high" and the quality excellent.
The league is being fueled by a wave of tennis players transitioning to the sport, bringing with them elite hand-eye coordination and court sense. Prince believes this foundation will help Indian athletes achieve world-class standards rapidly. The excitement continues at the Global Sports Pickleball Center in Mumbai, where fans can watch upcoming clashes between the Jaipur Stallions and Kolkata Kingz, as well as the Madras Marinas versus the Delhi Snipers. These matches, broadcast globally, underscore the Indian Pickleball Association’s commitment to promoting the sport through sanctioned events that define top players for national selection.
Triple Crown Triumph: Westwood, White, and Rickard Dominate ACT Championships
Canberra, Australia – The 2025 competitive season ended on a spectacular high note at the ACT Pickleball Championships, where three separate athletes achieved the coveted Triple Crown. Hosted by Pickleball ACT, the sanctioned tournament served as the final major event of the year, drawing competitors from across the region for a weekend of elite play.
Greg Westwood of the Sydney Inner West Pickleball Club secured his first-ever Triple Crown in the senior divisions. Westwood dominated the 60+ Men’s singles, teamed up with Craig Hunt to win the 60+ Men’s doubles, and completed the sweep with partner Belinda Crane in the 50+ Mixed doubles.
Local talent Lindsay White, a member of Pickleball ACT, defended his home turf by taking gold in three 50+ categories, including skinny singles and both doubles formats, capping off an exceptional tournament experience. Meanwhile, Robyn Rickard of the Northern Beaches Pickleball Club made a stunning debut, winning a Triple Crown in her very first tournament. Rickard’s victories spanned the 60+ Women’s singles and doubles, as well as the 70+ Mixed doubles.
Organizers extended their gratitude to the volunteers and officials who made the event a success and teased the upcoming release of the year-end Australian Rankings.
Registration Surge: PPL Luzon Open 2026 Set to Break Records in Manila
Manila, Philippines – Excitement is reaching a fever pitch for the upcoming PPL Luzon Open 2026, scheduled to be one of the biggest pickleball events of the year in the Philippines. Powered by Polland Hopia and supported by technology partner Baseline, the tournament will feature six days of high-level competition at The Dink Lab, boasting a prize pool of over ₱700,000.
As of mid-December 2025, registration has seen an overwhelming response, with several key categories already completely sold out. The Men’s Doubles Open, Men’s Doubles Intermediate, and various singles divisions have reached full capacity, leaving no spots for latecomers. Organizers have issued an alert for the remaining "moving slots," warning players that spaces in the Men’s Singles Advance and Mixed Doubles Open are dwindling rapidly.
The event has garnered significant corporate backing, with Polland Hopia serving as the Platinum Sponsor and Facolos Philippines signing on as the Official Tournament Ball Partner. Other sponsors include Oasis Home, Sypik Philippines, and Nature's Spring Water, reflecting the commercial growth of the sport in the region. Baseline, the official software partner, expressed their excitement to support the event and elevate the game alongside the PPL and its partners.
In related global news, the Flemish Open Pickleball 2026 has also announced its dates for next summer, scheduled for June and July at Racso.
Frozen in Time: Pickleball Photography Earns Global Acclaim at World Sports Awards
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The intensity and emotion of Asian pickleball have been immortalized on the global stage, as a photograph from the Panas Malaysia Cup 2025 has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious World Sports Photography Awards 2026. The image, captured by tournament photographer Ashok Kumar, depicts a raw moment of triumph between Tyson McGuffin and Eric Oncins.
The photograph freezes the exact moment of victory in the Men’s Doubles gold-medal match, where McGuffin and Oncins defeated the powerhouse duo of Christian Alshon and Ben Johns. In the image, both players have launched their paddles skyward in celebration, their equipment hanging suspended in the air as they react to their hard-fought 2-1 victory.
This recognition marks a significant milestone for the sport, placing pickleball imagery alongside the world's elite sporting photography. The World Sports Photography Awards are judged by leading figures in media and creative industries, and the 2026 edition was reportedly the most competitive yet, drawing over 23,000 entries from photographers in 123 countries. Kumar’s work, nominated in the Racquet Sports category, highlights the growing visual narrative of the PPA Tour Asia’s inaugural season. Winners are set to be announced in January 2026.
Canadian National Pickleball League Ramps Up 2026 Pre-Season with Trades and Combines
Newmarket, Canada – The Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) is accelerating its preparations for the 2026 season with major roster moves and a final opportunity for aspiring pros to join the ranks. The league has announced the "Northern Lights CNPL Combine," a draft qualifying event to be held on January 10, 2026, at the Grandview Pickleball Club in Newmarket, Ontario.
This combine represents the last shot for players to qualify for the 2026 draft. For a registration fee of $125, athletes in the 4.0+ and 4.5+ divisions will compete in mixed, men's, and women's games, participate in professional photoshoots, and interview directly with team owners. Confirmed attendees include owners from the Northern Lights, York Yeti, Prairie Pronghorns, and Toronto United.
Simultaneously, the league’s offseason trade market is heating up. The Detroit-Windsor Drive and Toronto United recently executed a strategic trade involving multiple draft picks. Toronto United moved up in the draft, sacrificing depth to acquire the #3 pick in the third round, signaling a targeted approach to secure a specific starter. Conversely, the Drive acquired additional picks in the fourth and fifth rounds, opting for a strategy built on roster depth and flexibility to fill their three open spots.
Malaysian Star Jimmy Liong Becomes First Asian Pro Signing for Franklin
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Jimmy Liong, widely regarded as the "Prince of Pickleball" in Malaysia, has made history by becoming the first Asian professional athlete to sign with the Franklin Malaysia Pro Team. The announcement was made during the brand's recent product unveiling and Christmas celebration.
Liong, a top-tier player known for his tireless work ethic and on-court consistency, was previously a member of the inaugural UPA Asia Trailblazers Programme Class of 2025. His resume includes a recent victory at the Cakenis Cup Pickleball Malaysia 2025. After parting ways with his former sponsor Facolos in November, Liong became a highly sought-after free agent before finding his new home with Franklin.
Observers note that despite his rising stardom and "prince" moniker, Liong has remained grounded and humble, traits that make him an ideal ambassador for the brand. The partnership aims to leverage Liong's influence to grow the sport further in the region, providing a role model for the next generation of Malaysian players.
Kenya’s Sally Odak Clinches Gold at India Grand Slam in Mumbai
Mumbai, India – In a significant victory for African pickleball on the international stage, Kenyan athlete Sally Odak has claimed the championship title at the India Grand Slam. Competing in the Women’s Singles Advanced category (<5.0), Odak showcased her skill and determination to take home the gold.
The final match was a thrilling contest against Danielle Jones. Odak secured a hard-fought victory with scores of 11-10 and 11-3, demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure. This latest triumph adds to an already impressive trophy cabinet for Odak, who previously secured gold and silver medals at the 2024 African Games. Her success in Mumbai underscores the growing global footprint of the sport and the rising competitiveness of athletes from the African continent competing in major Asian tournaments.
Comfort Meets Performance: Inaugural Skechers Tournament Draws Hundreds in Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – The inaugural Skechers International Pickleball Tournament 2025 concluded its successful run this past weekend at the MSC Sport Complex, signalling the rapid ascent of the sport in Vietnam. Themed "Comfort That Performs," the event was organized through a collaboration between Skechers, Nexus Sport Events, and the Ho Chi Minh City Tennis and Pickleball Federation.
Despite featuring only two high-level categories—Men’s Doubles 5.5 and Mixed Doubles 5.5—the tournament attracted nearly 200 players, a turnout that organisers cited as proof of pickleball's growing appeal in the country.
In the Men’s Doubles, the duo of Đức Cường and Thành Nhân emerged as champions, defeating Tiến Dũng and Trung in the final match. The Mixed Doubles title was claimed by Hữu Duy and Hoàng Oanh, who bested their opponents to lift the trophy. Organizers have already confirmed that the tournament is expected to become an annual fixture, with plans to expand the number of categories and skill levels in future editions.
Hanoi Heats Up: Registration Opens for High-Stakes Swin Cup Spring Tournament
Hanoi, Vietnam – The Hanoi pickleball community is gearing up for its first major high-level competition of the new year, as registration officially opens for the Swin Cup Spring Pickleball Tournament 2026. Scheduled for January 17, 2026, the event will be hosted at the SWIN Pickleball Club on Nguyễn Xiển Street.
The tournament aims to provide a professional competitive platform for players to network and experience high-quality match play. Competition will be divided into three categories: Male/Female pairs (4.8 skill level), Male pairs (4.8), and Mixed couples (5.3).
With a registration fee of 500,000đ per athlete, the tournament promises lucrative rewards, including cash prizes, trophies, and sponsor gifts. The event will utilise a play-in playoff format to ensure thrilling action. Registration is set to close on January 15, 2026, or earlier if player slots are filled, with organizers directing interested participants to sign up via SportConnect or the official Zalo group.
From MLP to PPA: Will Howells Set to Shake Up Pro Tour at The Masters
Palm Springs, USA – The 2026 professional pickleball calendar is kicking off with a major storyline as Will Howells, a dominant force on the APP Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP), officially joins the PPA Tour. Howells will make his highly anticipated debut at The Masters, beginning January 12 at Mission Hills Country Club.
Howells, considered a top-10 talent, is making the leap without any PPA ranking points, a challenge that initially made finding partners difficult. However, he has secured a formidable lineup, pairing with MLP teammate Noe Khlif in men’s doubles and Rachel Rohrabacher in mixed doubles. Howells remains unfazed by the lack of seeding, stating, "I know that I’m capable of beating those top guys. I’m going to be in position where I have to play them earlier, but then they have to play me earlier".
The transition also involves adapting to the faster Life Time ball, a change Howells welcomes as it suits his aggressive "new school" style of play. With a mindset focused squarely on winning every tournament he enters, Howells is ready to test his skills against the world's best, including Ben Johns and Hayden Patriquin, in front of the sport's largest crowds.
Frascati Triumphs: Roman Club Dominates Italian Team Pickleball Championships
Martina Franca, Italy – The region of Puglia became the capital of Italian pickleball this weekend as the "Palasun" hosted the national final phases of the Team Pickleball Championship. The event saw clubs from across Italy compete for the title, but it was the New Country Club Frascati from the Lazio region that emerged as the undisputed dominant force.
Frascati secured a stunning double victory. In the Open category, the team—led by standout performers Matteo Cugliari and Francesca Rumi—swept the elimination group with four consecutive wins before defeating SSD Equinox in the final. The club also triumphed in the Over 50 category, taking gold over the Bologna Pickleball Team.
The event highlighted the explosive growth of the sport in Italy, a success credited to the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation (FITP). The number of pickleball courts in Italy has surged from 120 in 2023 to nearly 400 today, a figure that dwarfs other European nations like Spain. This infrastructure boom is rapidly raising the technical level of Italian players, as evidenced by the high quality of play in Martina Franca.