What’s the Score?
In a move that signals a shifting landscape for Asian pickleball sponsorships, the brand Sypik Avatar has officially announced the conclusion of its partnership with Vietnamese star athlete Quang Duong. The announcement was made via a heartfelt public tribute, celebrating the “warrior spirit” they shared during their collaboration.
Hit it deeper!
The partnership between Sypik and Duong was described as more than a business arrangement; it was a “journey” that began when Duong first returned to his homeland of Vietnam. Sypik positioned itself as his “first destination,” supporting him as he worked to spread the sport across Asia and compete in major tournaments in the US.
The brand’s statement emphasised the familial bond that developed, noting that they supported him “from afar and directly” at tournaments. Sypik acknowledged that “every journey has a stop,” but framed the split as a moment to recognise the value created rather than a termination. They credited Duong with leaving an indelible mark on the development of pickleball in Vietnam and the wider region, signing off with a wish for him to “conquer new heights”.
The World Pickleball Verdict
This separation highlights the growing commercialisation of pickleball in Asia. Quang Duong has become a figurehead for the sport in Vietnam, and his movement away from Sypik likely suggests he is poised for larger, perhaps global, sponsorship opportunities as his profile rises.
However, the emotional tone of the departure—referencing shared beliefs and “warrior spirit”—reminds us that in emerging pickleball markets, sponsor-player relationships often carry a deep personal investment. Sypik’s legacy will be tied to identifying and backing Duong early, proving that domestic brands play a crucial role in launching local talent onto the international stage.
Chris Beaumont is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of World Pickleball Magazine. Chris follows the global game closely, reporting on the latest news, developments, stories and tournaments from all five continents. He also hosts the World Pickleball Podcast, interviewing people at all levels of pickleball. Chris is also an avid player, currently struggling to make the breakthrough from 4.0 to 4.5.