The short answer: This World Pickleball Report covers CRBN co-founders Garrett Gosselin and Kyle Goguen visiting China and Malaysia to strengthen manufacturing for their TruFoam Genesis paddles, the Pocket Pickle pop-up court at The Starhill in Kuala Lumpur, Dua Lipa’s touring band taking up pickleball, and further news from Samoa, Atlanta and the PPA Tour.
CRBN co-founders take vital Asia trip to strengthen manufacturing & dial in proprietary ‘trufoam’ tech
Asia – CRBN co-founders Garrett Gosselin and Kyle Goguen recently completed a significant trip to China and Malaysia. In China, their focus was on bolstering manufacturing partnerships and collaborating directly with engineers. A key objective was improving tooling and construction techniques, particularly for their exclusive TruFoam core technology. They also sought process enhancements to increase production capacity and ensure consistently high-quality products for customers. This trip is directly linked to CRBN’s most anticipated launch for 2025: the TruFoam Genesis series. These are the first Generation 4 paddles featuring the 100% foam core, which have already generated considerable global buzz and are in high demand, proving difficult to keep in stock, especially in Asia.
Pocket Pickle launches pop-up court at the starhill, bringing community-focused pickleball to the mainstream in KL
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Ashley Choong and the Four Serve Collective have introduced Pocket Pickle, a portable pickleball court designed for community, creativity, and accessibility. The initiative aims to bring the sport to new audiences in unexpected settings. Flipping the model of formal or exclusive venues, Pocket Pickle is hosting a pop-up experience at The Starhill’s atrium in Kuala Lumpur from May 13 to June 22. The space invites newcomers, families, and the curious to try pickleball in a fun, low-pressure environment, focusing on movement, laughter, and social connections. The event features diverse activities including DJ sessions, challenge mini-games, pro-led clinics, and tournaments. Pocket Pickle is highlighted as a strong example of community-first initiatives helping to grow grassroots sports in Malaysia and introduce pickleball to the mainstream.
Huge win for pickleball: Dua Lipa tour hits the courts with reported ‘obsession’ for the sport
Lyon, France – According to an artist travelling with global superstar Dua Lipa, the touring band has developed an “obsession with pickleball”. Playing frequently while on the road, they describe it as part of the “glam life” of touring. This revelation is being hailed as a “huge win” for the sport of pickleball, particularly in America. The commentary suggests that while playing golf or basketball with a star like Dua Lipa might be near impossible, the accessibility of pickleball makes the prospect, however slim, not entirely “a 0%”. This celebrity engagement is seen as a significant boost, potentially encouraging more people to take up the sport in hopes, perhaps, of someday sharing a court with the international pop sensation.
Samoa set to make Sports history hosting its first-ever international pickleball Open
Apia, Samoa – Samoa is poised to make sporting history by hosting its first-ever international pickleball competition. The 2025 RNJ Flowzone Samoa Pickleball Open will take place from June 12-14 at the Apia Park Tennis Complex. Organised by the Samoa Pickleball Association, the tournament has already attracted interest from American Samoa and Australia and is planned to become an annual event. The sport, introduced to Samoa in 2015 by Mark Moors, has grown significantly, now boasting over 200 active players. While currently utilising converted tennis courts at Apia Park, plans are underway for a dedicated pickleball complex at the Faleata Sports Complex with government backing. The tournament will feature competition across various skill levels, from beginner to the highest “Open” category.
Atlanta slam action: Top seeds battle through Round of 16 as men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles quarterfinals are set
Atlanta, USA – The Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships, the second of four ‘slams’ on the 2025 PPA calendar, saw intense action in the Round of 16 across singles, mixed, and gender doubles at Life Time Peachtree Corners. Thursday’s matches set the stage for the quarterfinals. Notable outcomes included Collin Johns and James Ignatowich’s comeback victory in men’s doubles, Kate Fahey and Tina Pisnik advancing in women’s doubles, and Dekel Bar/Dylan Frazier powering through with a dominant third game. Jade Kawamoto and Dylan Frazier scored an upset in mixed doubles, while top seeds like Anna Leigh Waters/Anna Bright advanced, in their case due to an opponent withdrawal. Singles play also featured tightly contested matches, with Ben Johns winning an entertaining three-game battle and Liz Truluck overcoming an injury to secure her third straight three-game win, highlighting the fierce competition as players vied for a spot in the final eight.
