Shock as two major women's pairs split overnight, Welsh Nationals, NFL praise, India goes digital
Good morning, pickleballers!
Welcome to your daily World Pickleball Report, a quick breakdown of all the major world pickleball news from the last 24 hours or so.
Yeah, there's a big one in there today. Something about the #1 pair in the women's pickleball game breaking up. Nothing major, honest.
There's also the small matter of the new World Pickleball Podcast - hosted by myself, Chris Beaumont, where I will be joined each week by my good friend Gordon Watson from Australia. We have recorded a taster, a preview if you will - where we tell you what the podcast is going to be about moving forwards. It's 30 minutes, it's well worth the time investment - so give it a listen.
Anyway, on with the latest news!
Pickleball Power Shift: Waters and Parenteau Part Ways, Bright Emerges as New Partner
USA – In a significant shake-up in the world of professional pickleball, Anna Leigh Waters has ended her successful partnership with Catherine Parenteau. Following a heartfelt message from Parenteau acknowledging their time together, it was announced that Waters will be partnering with Anna Bright for the remainder of the 2025 season. Their debut tournament as a team will be the Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships on May 12-18, a prestigious Slam event offering maximum points. Waters and Parenteau achieved considerable success, winning five of the seven women's doubles events they competed in during 2025 and a total of 31 titles, including 14 in 2024. Notably, Bright and Waters previously teamed up in 2023, securing seven titles together.
Welsh Pickleball History in the Making: Inaugural Nationals Set to Ignite Bangor
Bangor, Wales – The countdown is on for the inaugural Welsh National Pickleball Championships, set to begin this Friday morning and run through Sunday, April 11-13, 2025, at the University of Bangor. Approximately 130 eager players are expected to participate in the weekend of competition and off-court camaraderie. The singles medals will be awarded on Sunday. Pickleball Wales's Kath Knowles anticipates a very proud moment with the expected rendition of the Welsh national anthem opening the event. The organization aims to provide all participants, especially those competing for the first time, with the best possible playing experience and a welcoming atmosphere filled with smiles and laughter at the Brailsford Sports Centre.
Asia's Young Picklers Prepare for Vietnam Showdown: Junior Open Registration Now Open
Tam Ky City, Vietnam – Young pickleball players across Asia are invited to register for the Asia Pickleball Junior Open 2025, taking place from July 13–15, 2025, in Tam Ky City, Quang Nam Province. The event is a joint effort by D-Pickleball and the Asia Federation of Pickleball (AFP) and will be held at a venue featuring 8 sheltered and 4 outdoor hard courts. Registration commenced on April 2, 2025, and will remain open until June 30, 2025, or until all slots are filled. The registration fee is USD $35 per event per participant, with the third and fourth event registrations offered for free. Categories include Boy’s and Girl’s Singles (U12, U14, U16) and Boy’s and Girl’s Doubles (U12, U14, U16, U18). The AFP will also provide complimentary rooms for players from AFP member countries based on participation numbers.
NFL Stars Serve Up Praise for Pickleball: Chiefs Players Highlight Off-Season Edge
Fort Lauderdale, USA – At the APP Fort Lauderdale Open 2025, NFL players Noah Gray and Gehrig Dieter of the Kansas City Chiefs shared their perspectives on the benefits of pickleball for professional athletes. Speaking with APP commentator Dominic Catalano, the Super Bowl champions emphasized the cross-sport training advantages, positive impact on mental health, and the accessibility of pickleball as an ideal off-season activity for maintaining a competitive edge and enjoying fun times.
Sioux Falls Mom Swaps Triathlons for Relentless Rally: 36-Hour Pickleball Record Attempt for Grief Support
Carrollton, USA – Geneva Olson, a 39-year-old mother of four from Sioux Falls and former triathlete, is part of a four-person team, the Pickle Breakers, aiming to break the Guinness World Record for continuous pickleball playing this Saturday in Carrollton, Texas. The current record stands at 34 hours and 5 minutes, set in the UK. In partnership with the Taylor’s Gift Foundation, the team will play for 36 consecutive hours, starting at 6 a.m. at Pickler Universe, to raise awareness and provide grief support to organ and tissue donor families. Olson’s involvement began after meeting Chong Kim, the team leader, who was on a 50-state pickleball tour promoting mental health awareness. Livestreaming and donation opportunities are available at taylorsgift.org/pickleball.
India's Pickleball Gets a Digital Home: Picklebay Launches as First End-to-End Platform
New Delhi, India – Picklebay, described as India’s first end-to-end pickleball platform, has officially launched, aiming to revolutionize the sport's accessibility and engagement across the country. The platform boasts the most court listings in India across six major cities: Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad. Offering court discovery, comprehensive tournament management, and community features, Picklebay seeks to connect players and foster growth at all levels. To further the competitive scene, Picklebay is launching The Picklebay India Tour, a nationwide tournament series commencing in Mumbai this May. Additionally, plans include introducing pickleball tourism and hosting annual community events.
Don't forget to get your copy of the April World Pickleball Magazine!
The World Pickleball Magazine for April is now on the digital shelves.
Packed full of pickleball content, this 140-page issue covers everything you need to know about the European scene - leagues, tours and tournaments with exclusive interviews with the people who make them happen.
Of course, we have all your other favourites in there - in pictures, tournament roundups, pickleball pioneers, referee's room, drill bits, future stars and more.
For just £5 (probably less than your last pickleball session) a copy - we also have 4-monthly and annual subscriptions available - you can immerse yourself in the world of pickleball like never before.
You can purchase directly from the shop here, or if you have Magzter you can get it through your subscription here.