MANILA — Filipino pickleball fans will get a rare close-up look at the sport’s top-ranked player when World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters takes center stage in Franklin Sports’ inaugural Asia Pickleball Showcase in Manila next month.
The American star will headline the Philippine leg of the multi-country tour, with Manila serving as its first stop before the showcase proceeds to Malaysia, Hong Kong and Vietnam.
Waters’ Manila appearance comes as pickleball continues to gain traction in the Philippines, with Franklin Sports identifying the country as one of the sport’s fastest-growing markets worldwide.
Franklin International Head Jordan Franklin said bringing Waters to the Philippines underscores the company’s push to help expand the sport in Asia.
“We are honored and excited to bring our Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase to the Philippines,” Franklin said. “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.”
Aside from seeing Waters in action, Filipino pickleball enthusiasts will also get a closer look at Franklin Sports’ latest equipment and innovations during the showcase.
“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,” Franklin said.
“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,” he added.
Waters recently teased Franklin’s upcoming paddle release through an Instagram post showing her holding an all-black paddle bearing a white question-mark graphic in front of a Times Square LED billboard in New York City.
The paddle is the same equipment Waters used in winning the Major League Pickleball (MLP) finals.
The Manila showcase will also feature Franklin’s X-40 ball, which the company says commands more than 75 percent of the North American market.
The X-40 is the official ball of several major competitions, including Manny Pacquiao’s Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour, the Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships, the APP Tour, Pickleball Slam and USA Pickleball events.
Franklin is also preparing to introduce the X-44, a new ball designed for faster play and endorsed by Waters.
Founded by Irving Franklin in 1946, Franklin Sports is a US-based sporting goods company that manufactures equipment for several sports. Its partnerships span pickleball, baseball, basketball, football, hockey, volleyball and soccer organizations./PN
