Skechers Malaysia Wraps Up its Biggest Tournament Yet

SUBANG JAYA, May 10, 2026 – The 4th annual Skechers International Pickleball Tournament – Malaysia Edition 2026 wrapped up this weekend at Tomaz Pickleball Club in Subang Jaya. From international athletes to local first-time junior competitors, the event created an atmosphere that felt both highly competitive and deeply connected to the sport's expanding culture in Malaysia.

Record-Breaking Numbers

The 2026 edition drew 1,282 players from 14 countries competing across 29 categories, generating over 1,600 DUPR-rated matches — a staggering 38% year-on-year growth from the previous edition. The scale of participation underscores just how quickly pickleball has taken root in Malaysia, and how Skechers' annual tournament has become a marquee fixture on the regional calendar.

[Editor's note: We covered the pre-tournament announcement last week — read our preview here.]

Skechers Athletes in the Spotlight

The press conference ahead of the tournament featured a welcome address by Ms Stephanie Chang, Senior General Manager of Skechers Malaysia, alongside the brand's official pickleball athletes: Colin Wong (@colinwong_pb), Delia Arnold (@deliaarnoldd), and Toi Sieu Ee (@toi.pickleball). The trio drew considerable attention courtside, with players and spectators alike eager for a glimpse of Malaysia's homegrown pickleball stars.

Juniors Take Centre Court

One of the standout stories of this year's edition was the reintroduction of the Junior (U18) category, which welcomed 34 young competitors — the youngest just 11 years old. It was a powerful reminder that pickleball's growth in Malaysia isn't just happening at the elite level; the next generation is already on court and competing with serious intent.

Ms Stephanie Chang, Senior General Manager of Skechers Malaysia, spoke to the significance of the moment:

"Seeing the Junior category come to life this year is something we have been looking forward to. Pickleball in Malaysia is no longer just a sport for one generation; it is bringing people of all ages to the court, and we want this tournament to reflect that. With Colin, Delia, and Sieu Ee competing alongside hundreds of players this weekend, we hope everyone here walks away inspired, regardless of where they are in their pickleball journey."

The tournament carried a total prize pool of RM100,000, making it one of the most lucrative domestic pickleball events in the country.

The Skechers Viper Court Collection

Beyond the competition, the event served as a platform for Skechers to showcase its Viper Court Collection. The Viper collection features four performance footwear styles endorsed by the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) and USA Pickleball, and carrying the APMA Seal of Acceptance. The collection was well-received among the competitive crowd, many of whom were on the hunt for court-ready gear.

Key Results & Highlights

All results were recorded under the DUPR system, contributing directly to players' global ratings and World Pickleball Championship (WPC) qualification points — adding real stakes well beyond just the prize money.

In the Open 19+ Men's Singles, Phoenix He delivered a commanding display throughout, claiming the title along with RM1,700 cash and an exclusive pair of Skechers Viper Court Pro shoes. Dylan Ooi Ding Sheng and Muhammad Aiman Hamdan rounded out the podium.

The Open 19+ Women's Singles saw Jas Almaguer take the title with a composed and consistent performance, with Angie Bong as 1st Runner-Up and Virvienica Bejosano as 2nd Runner-Up in a closely contested field.

In the Doubles categories, Marco Leung and Vanshik Kapadia secured the Open 19+ Men's Doubles title, winning RM3,500 cash and two pairs of Viper Court Pro shoes. Man Kwan Wun and Syed Uzair Sufi claimed the Mixed Doubles 19+ Open with the same prize package. In the 35+ Open divisions, Men's and Mixed Doubles champions each took home RM3,000 cash.

Full Champions List

🏆 Juniors

🏆 Novice

🏆 Intermediate

🏆 Open

A notable standout from the results is Dzarif Dzakwan B Azizul Azhar, who swept both Junior categories, winning the U18 Boys' Singles and teaming with his brother Dzikri to claim the U18 Doubles title as well. In the Open division, the international flavour was unmistakable, with champions hailing from across Asia and beyond.

A Clear Signal for the Sport

What began four years ago as a relatively modest branded tournament has evolved into something far more significant and a reflection of how rapidly pickleball is maturing in Malaysia. Attracting serious players, rising juniors, global competitors, and growing brand investment all under one roof, the Skechers International Pickleball Tournament has positioned itself as the benchmark for the sport locally.

With 38% growth in a single year and no signs of slowing down, the question isn't whether the 2027 edition will be bigger, just how much bigger it'll be.

For more pickleball news and coverage from Malaysia and across Asia, follow us on Instagram @thepicklebase.