Waters plans PH return for pickleball showcase
Pickleball world No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters has finished her three-day Philippine tour, and plans have already been finalized to bring her back in December.
The 19-year-old star of the fast-rising global sport announced during a press conference she is returning to Manila on Dec. 9 to grace the IAM Worldwide Pickleball Showdown at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I had an amazing time here and I love it here,” Waters said in an interview during the press luncheon on Thursday.
Waters visited the country as a guest of Franklin Sports, the world leader in pickleball equipment, and wellness brand IAM Worldwide. She stayed for three days before joining a press luncheon where she announced her planned return.
Waters is the undisputed star of pickleball and ranks at the top in women’s singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles. She has collected over 200 PPA titles and recently completed another Triple Gold sweep in the United States, prompting Franklin to tour her for its Asia Pickleball Showcase.
“Staying on top is tougher because when you’re fighting to get on top, you have no pressure,” Waters told Filipino tennis legend Dyan Castillejo. “Once you’re on the top, everyone plays their best against you.”
As part of that tour, Waters highlighted the features of her Franklin C45° Aurelius Signature Paddle and the blacked-out “Franklin Whip / ?” prototype paddle she has used in recent tournament victories.
Franklin executives Jared Franklin (international head) and John Lynch (marketing head), alongside Waters’ parents Stephen and Leigh Waters, joined the media appearance.
Meanwhile, IAM Worldwide highlighted Waters in her newest role as the company’s Global Sports Ambassador. Company president Allen Marvin Yu Eder, vice president Aika Lorraine Uy and general manager Anna Mañego hosted Waters during her stay here.
Franklin Sports outlined plans to support regional tournaments, youth clinics and local equipment distribution through major Philippine sports retailers as part of its push to grow pickleball more in the country.
Waters will continue her Asia tour in Malaysia and Hong Kong.
