The 3rd Edition of the Eminence Series: A New Dawn for Pickleball in Asia

This year’s 3rd Edition of the Eminence Series marked a significant milestone for PCP with the soft launch of FPF's first multimedia-powered Indoor Pickleball Arena. Designed to enhance the experience for both players and spectators, the arena features state-of-the-art facilities that include advanced audiovisual technology. This innovation has not only elevated the quality of play but will also allow matches to be livestreamed to audiences globally, expanding the reach of this rapidly growing sport.

This year, the event saw participant numbers more than double from the previous edition, showcasing the growing demand for Pickleball consumption not just in Guangzhou but within the Asian region. Players and spectators from over eight countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and India, competed and cheered on fellow players throughout both days of the tournament. With athletes from diverse backgrounds coming together to represent their countries, the Eminence Series has started establishing itself as a cornerstone event in the pickleball calendar, fostering fierce competition and showcasing outstanding sportsmanship among participants.

“Hosting the Eminence Series has been a tremendous honour for PCP. This tournament truly highlighted the encouraging growth of pickleball across Asia and showcased this community platform we have been so tirelessly building to connect people around the world. The new indoor arena will also set a benchmark for future events as we strive to create meaningful and impactfully unforgettable experience for all involved.” - Hannah Tan, Tournament Director

Recapping some of our event highlights:

• Gifted Golden Singaporean Mixed Doubles pair Darren Ho, 42, and Kok Yoke Kheng, 59, who fought their way into the finals and dominated the match in 2 consecutive games to seal the deal.

• Big upset in the Women's Doubles event with duo Vivian Qin and Alexa Hwang toppling hot favourites Yu Jing (Former BWF world champion) and Huang Zheng during the quarterfinals in a close match of 21-19 to eventually proceed to the finals for a sweet silver medal finish.

• Dominant performances by Tony Yang and Allen Tsang in the men's doubles finals

• PCPs' first-ever Under-12 event, which featured kids between the ages of 8-11 years old, battled it out in an exciting match of Singles

• Best Sportsmanship Awards went to Ping and Effendy of Indonesia, who consistently displayed a very fun and creative side of the sport in good spirits throughout the event.

In addition to the competitive matches, brands such as SHOT3, Homiemaking Coffee, AmitiéChic, and Electro-X had also stepped forward to support the event, creating fresh and enriching experiences for participants to interact with their brands. Their involvement has been crucial in raising the profile and branding of the sport on both a communal and commercial front.

Darren Ho, Chairman of PKQ, emphasised the importance of this event:

“At PCP, we are committed to using pickleball as a tool to connect individuals from diverse backgrounds. The Eminence Series embodies our mission to promote sportsmanship and inclusivity, creating a welcoming environment for everyone involved. We believe that through sports, we can break down barriers and foster a sense of community.”

As the 4th Edition of the Eminence Series approaches, excitement continues to build. This event is not only a showcase of athletic talent but a celebration of the values that unite people around the world—sportsmanship, respect, and a love for the game.