Singapore pickleball debut draws more than 1,000 players
Summary by Coachino Daily Digest · Original reporting by Pickleball News Asia
Published
Event date
More than 1,000 players competed in Singapore’s inaugural OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Open, which concluded at OCBC Arena on 25 October 2026. Participants ranged from 13 to 75, with entrants travelling from Australia, India and Thailand.
Christopher Encarnacion and Ralph Kevin Barte secured the Open title, defeating Charles Yong and Ng Ka Wei 15-10, 15-14. Beyond the finals, 10 beneficiaries of Care Corner Seniors Services entered the Novice category after taking part in a free training programme, connecting community coaching with tournament participation.
Coachino Insight
For clubs and coaches, the event offers a concrete example of introductory training leading to competition, with senior programme participants joining an age-diverse tournament field.
Chatham’s St. Clair College Community Park has opened a new phase that includes ten dedicated pickleball courts, reported as the area’s largest outdoor facility for the sport. The expansion also adds paths, washrooms, basketball and a playground. Chatham-Kent Pickleball Club says the courts create opportunities to host tournaments, alongside the park’s wider role as a shared community space.
Coachino Insight
New courts need clear operating plans. Clubs can prepare beginner sessions, open-play schedules and tournament reservations early so everyday users benefit from the extra capacity.
Musab Almusalam was the star of the Saudi Pickleball Tournament in Riyadh, winning men's singles and, with Bassam Alnemari, men's doubles, Pickleball News Asia reports. Saudi Pickleball billed the October 15 to 17 event at Tennis Home Academy as the largest yet in the country, with nearly 100 players across five categories and prizes worth more than 5,000 riyals.
Lana Shaiba won the women's singles, while Johainie Panandigan took mixed doubles gold with Josemari and a silver in women's doubles.
Coachino Insight
A field of about 100 players is small, but a multi-category event with prize money is how national scenes begin. Coaches in new markets can build leagues around such anchor tournaments.
The Pickle Love Tour has scheduled its final UK qualifier at Courtside in Stourbridge, with amateur teams competing for places in the final in Italy. Each team consists of two men and two women, and the format includes men’s, women’s and mixed doubles. The event gives local amateurs access to an international team competition without needing to travel abroad for this qualifying stage.
Coachino Insight
A team format can involve players across several roles. Organizers should explain substitutions and scoring before play so newcomers can focus on competing and supporting teammates.
