MANILA — World No. 1 pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters is coming to the Philippines in October for the Franklin Sports Asia Pickleball Showcase in Manila.
The Manila leg of the showcase on October 13-15 will feature an appearance by Waters, one of the sport’s biggest stars, giving Filipino fans and the country’s growing pickleball community an opportunity to see her demonstrate her skills in person.
HandoutThe selection of the Philippines as a primary destination reflects the country’s emergence as a global phenomenon in racket sports. With a staggering 1,213% year-over-year growth rate, the Philippines currently stands as the fastest-growing pickleball market in the world, topping Franklin Sports’ global expansion priorities.
"We are honored and excited to bring our Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase to the Philippines," said Jared Franklin, Head of International at Franklin Sports. "The Philippines is one of the fastest-growing pickleball markets in the world, and we couldn’t be prouder to bring the no. 1 player in the world, Anna Leigh Waters, to Manila.”
“As a world leader in pickleball, Franklin is committed to developing the sport and bringing players the very best products and innovation. It’s even more special to have Anna Leigh, the game’s greatest player, competing with and showcasing Franklin products that she trusts at the highest level. This visit reflects Franklin’s commitment to supporting the growth of pickleball on a global scale. We’re thrilled to connect with the incredible pickleball community in the Philippines and to play a part in the continued growth of this amazing sport."
As an industry pioneer, Franklin Sports delivers premium equipment trusted by elite global professionals that have won 105 medals year to date on the PPA and APP Pro Tours, including Hayden Patriquin, Paris Todd, Will Howells, Jimmy Liong, Sofia Sewing, Casey Diamond, Megan Fudge, and Ryler DeHeart among others.
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During the event, Filipino fans will get a look at Franklin’s latest pickleball equipment, including the paddle Waters recently teased in a Sept. 2 Instagram post taken in front of her Times Square billboard in New York.
Waters was photographed holding an all-black paddle marked with a white question mark, which Franklin said is the model she used to win the Major League Pickleball (MLP) finals. The company is expected to formally launch the paddle soon.
The showcase will also feature Franklin’s X-40 ball, which is used in several major pickleball tournaments, including the Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour (MPPT), the Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships and the APP Tour.
Franklin also plans to introduce the X-44, a faster-playing ball endorsed by Waters, later this year.
Franklin products, including paddles, balls, bags, footwear and accessories, are available in the Philippines through retailers such as Decathlon, Toby’s Sports, Chris Sports and Juego PH.