MIRI: Sixteen players from Malaysia participated in the Singapore International Pickleball Exchange 2022 (SIPEX 2022).
The tournament was held from Aug 11-14 at Keat Hong Community Club, Singapore.
It attracted 11 countries — Malaysia, the United States, the Philippines, South Africa, Portugal, Argentina, Germany, South Korea, India, Indonesia and France. Malaysia entered the largest number of participants.
SIPEX 2022 provided the Malaysians an excellent platform to test their skills against those from around the world.
In the Men’s Singles R3.5+, Dalzshervyn Roshen Prabakaran (13 years old) made it into the top 16.
Rima Ibrahim and Monaliza Ibrahim reached the Ladies Doubles R3.0 R3.9 quarter-finals.
Roshen, Harmeet Singh, Chen Kian Fong and Kho Sian Yang reached the Men’s Doubles R3.0 R3.9 quarter-finals.
Kirshelya Rhsme Prabakaran (14 years old) placed second in the Ladies Singles R3.5+.
The Malaysian Pickleball Association was established in 2019 in Miri, and the sport is played in Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, Penang and Pahang besides Sarawak.
“Plans are underway to promote the sport to more schools and institutions of higher learning. Presently, there are regular pickleball workshops for the public,” said Malaysian Pickleball Association president Farrell Choo.
For the World Pickleball Championship in Bali from Sept 20-25, Malaysia will be sending around 20 players.
Pickleball was invented in 1965 in the United States.
It is one of the fastest growing sports, with over 70 countries playing this sport.
It can be played in both indoor and outdoor. A player needs a ball and a paddle to start playing. It can be played in doubles or singles.
