News & Stories
Mar 27, 2025
The sport of pickleball reached new heights in Japan as the Skechers PWR Masters 700 made history as the largest pickleball tournament ever held in the country. Organized by the Pickleball World Ranking Organization (PWR) in collaboration with the Japan Pickleball Association (JPA), the event welcomed elite competitors from Japan, the USA, Taiwan, Korea, China, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, and Australia. Hosted at the Nissho Highway Arena in Tsu City, the tournament took place from February 27 to March 2, featuring over 450 professional players in an electrifying showcase of skill and sportsmanship.
(Photo Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=122238870014015367&set=pcb.122238870080015367)
A High-Stakes International Showdown
The Skechers PWR Masters 700 featured a wide range of competitive divisions, including men’s and women’s singles, mixed doubles, and women’s doubles. As one of the most prestigious events in the PWR series, the tournament saw top-tier athletes fiercely battling for podium finishes, delivering high-energy performances that thrilled audiences and demonstrated the global rise of pickleball.
Among the standout competitors, Foo Pin and Captain Hian Tee delivered exceptional performances. Foo Pin secured third place in the 50+ Open Women’s Doubles and an impressive second place in the 50+ Open Mixed Doubles, partnering with Captain Hian Tee. Their achievements underscored the talent and dedication driving the sport forward.
(Photo Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGsyEYov2QK/?img_index=4)
Vietnam’s Rising Star: Sophia Phuong Anh’s Historic Silver Medal
One of the most inspiring stories of the tournament came from Sophia Phuong Anh, a young Vietnamese sensation who made history by winning Vietnam’s first-ever silver medal in a professional PWR event. Competing in the highly competitive U19+ (Pro) Women’s Doubles, she demonstrated incredible skill and resilience on the international stage.
In a gripping final, Sophia and her partner, Dannie Elle Townsend, faced off against the top-seeded duo of Yuchieh Hsieh (Taiwan) and Xiao Yi Wang Beckvall (USA). Hsieh, widely regarded as the world’s top female pickleball player in both singles and doubles in 2024, posed a formidable challenge. However, Sophia and her teammate stunned the crowd by clinching the first set 11-9, forcing their elite opponents to rethink their strategy. Although they ultimately fell short in the following sets, Sophia’s performance earned widespread acclaim from experts, spectators, and tournament organizers alike.
(Photo Source: https://thanhnien.vn/sophia-phuong-anh-gianh-hcb-giai-pickleball-chuyen-nghiep-nhat-ban-185250304113940177.htm)
A Milestone for Vietnamese Pickleball
Reflecting on her achievement, Sophia expressed immense pride and gratitude for the opportunity to represent Vietnam on such a prestigious stage:
“I am very happy and proud to be the only and youngest Vietnamese athlete participating in the tournament. Although I did not win the highest position, this is an opportunity for me to learn and practice more techniques from professional athletes. I am extremely grateful for the encouragement and support of the audience and fans—those who have always accompanied me.”
Her success marks a major step forward for Vietnamese pickleball, inspiring future generations of players to dream big and compete at the highest levels.
(Photo Source: https://thanhnien.vn/sophia-phuong-anh-gianh-hcb-giai-pickleball-chuyen-nghiep-nhat-ban-185250304113940177.htm)
A Community United by Passion
Beyond the intense competition, the spirit of camaraderie was on full display as players came together to help roll up the courts at the Tsu City Industry and Sports Center after the event concluded. This collective effort exemplified the tight-knit, supportive nature of the pickleball community, proving that the sport is not just about competition—it’s about building lifelong connections across cultures and countries.
With record-breaking participation, unforgettable matches, and groundbreaking achievements, the Skechers PWR Masters 700 has set a new benchmark for pickleball in Japan and beyond. As the sport continues to grow across Asia, one thing is certain: the future of pickleball has never looked brighter!
