The popularity of pickleball in the country is really growing to the point that it caught the attention of American pickleball sensation Anna Leigh Waters.
Waters is set to bring her world-class game back to the Philippines on December 9, headlining the IAM Worldwide Pickleball Showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in another major boost to the sport’s growing popularity in the country.
Widely regarded as the world’s top pickleball player, Waters,19, confirmed her return during a press conference at Dusit Thani Manila in Makati on Thursday, capping a three-day Philippine visit as part of the Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase.
To recall, Waters collected more than 200 Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) titles and her too upcoming appearance offers Filipino enthusiasts another chance to witness one of the sport’s most accomplished athletes, whose dominance in women’s singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles has helped propel pickleball into the international spotlight.
Waters has also completed the prestigious Triple Gold Sweep in the United States, underscoring her versatility and supremacy across all three competitive divisions.
“It’s definitely been more. I didn’t really know what to expect coming here, but I’m glad I honestly had no expectations because I’ve just had some of the best three days of my life visiting this new place,” Waters said.
Waters admitted being particularly impressed by the enthusiasm of Filipino supporters, many of whom were already familiar with her achievements despite never having met her personally.
Her Philippine engagement was organized by Franklin Sports, her official equipment partner, and IAM Worldwide, a health and wellness company that tapped her as its global sports ambassador.IMT Sports
