Good morning, pickleballers!
Here’s today’s pickleball news from around the world.
Clash of the Champions: Chennai Cement Top Spot While Mumbai Battles for Victory in WPBL Action
Mumbai, India – The intensity of the World Pickleball League (WPBL) reached a fever pitch on Matchday 7, as the Chennai Super Champs solidified their dominance atop the leaderboard and the Mumbai Pickle Power scraped a hard-fought victory against Hyderabad.
In a tight contest that came down to the wire, Mumbai Pickle Power defeated the Hyderabad Super Stars 3–2. Mumbai’s Brandon Lane proved to be the standout performer, earning “Player of the Tie” honours for his critical contributions. Lane, alongside partner Santhosh Narayanan, secured a vital win in Men’s Doubles (9–5), and also teamed up with Glauka Carvajal Lane to dominate the Mixed Doubles 16–07. Although Hyderabad fought back with a commanding 27–09 Women’s Singles victory by Seone Mendez, Mumbai’s resilience in the Men’s Singles—where Max Green defeated Marcello Jardim 14–10—ensured the team walked away with crucial points.
Meanwhile, league leaders Chennai Super Champs showcased their depth against the Bengaluru Jawans, winning their tie 3–1. The Chennai squad displayed superior coordination in doubles play, with Do Minh Quan and Tanner Tomassi taking the Men’s Doubles 14–08, and the pair of Carlota Trevino and Domenika Turkovic cruising to a 15–06 victory in Women’s Doubles. While Bengaluru’s Katerina Stewart salvaged pride with a massive 27–08 win in Women’s Singles, Chennai’s mixed doubles unit sealed the deal with a 17–05 rout.
Following these results, Chennai sits comfortably in first place with 43 points from four ties, followed by Dilli Dillwale on 36 points. The action continues immediately with Matchday 8, featuring Mumbai Pickle Power facing off against the Rajasthan Titans, and Dilli Dillwale taking on Pune United, with broadcasts available globally via SPOTV and locally on Sony LIV.
Skyline Serves: ICC Sydney Unveils Rooftop Pickleball Hub to Boost Community Wellness
Sydney, Australia – The iconic skyline of Darling Harbour has become the backdrop for a major new sporting development, as the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney officially transforms its Event Deck into a dedicated pickleball facility. In a move that highlights the sport’s explosive global growth, the venue has partnered with House of Pickle to install eight full-sized courts, creating a vibrant hub for both casual enthusiasts and competitive players.
The initiative, announced this week, marks a significant shift for the venue, activating the open-air deck for a three-year residency. Adam Mather-Brown, CEO of ICC Sydney, emphasised that the project is driven by a commitment to community value and inclusivity. “At ICC Sydney, our mission is to make a difference,” Mather-Brown stated, noting that the new courts offer a space that promotes “innovation, wellbeing and inclusivity” while remaining accessible to the general public.
Managed by House of Pickle, the facility is open daily from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, utilising a seamless booking system to welcome players of all skill levels. Beyond daily play, the venue is designed to host large-scale events for over 500 attendees, complete with corporate hospitality options, branded equipment, and an on-site bar.
Ollie Matthews, CEO of House of Pickle, expressed excitement about the location’s potential to unify the local community. “Our goal is to make House of Pickle Darling Harbour a welcoming space for everyone – from first-timers to seasoned players,” Matthews said. While the courts take centre stage, the flexible design ensures the Event Deck remains available for other non-sporting activations, securing its status as a versatile premier venue in the heart of Sydney.
Homegrown Hero: Vietnamese Star Quang Duong Inks Major Deal with Wika Pickleball
Hanoi, Vietnam – In a significant move for the Asian pickleball market, rising sensation Quang Duong has officially signed a sponsorship deal with Wika Pickleball, reinforcing his commitment to the sport’s development in his home country. The partnership, confirmed by the Vietnamese brand over the weekend, marks a new chapter for the young athlete following his departure from Sypik Pickleball.
Wika Pickleball announced the collaboration with enthusiasm, framing it as a pivotal moment for domestic sports. “A new burst of momentum begins in 2026,” the company stated on social media, emphasising their goal to showcase a “new generation of Vietnamese athletes ready to conquer the international stage”. This alliance is more than a standard sponsorship; it represents a strategic bet on Duong’s trajectory as one of Asia’s brightest talents.
The deal signals Duong’s continued faith in domestic innovation. Having previously collaborated with the startup Sypik on the “Avatar” paddle collection, Duong will now launch a signature line titled “Wika QD”. According to the company, this upcoming collection is “fuelled by relentless movement on court and breakthrough technology debuting for the first time,” designed to mirror the young star’s dynamic playstyle.
The partnership reflects a broader trend of regional brands stepping up to support local talent. Sypik, Duong’s former sponsor, parted ways amicably, praising the DUPR top-ranked Asian male player and calling their collaboration an “honour”. Now, all eyes turn to Wika and Duong as they prepare to unveil their “pioneering milestones” in the coming seasons.