Zhuhai clinches victory at PCL Asia Season 2 Finals in SZ

Season 2 of the Pickleball Champions League (PCL) Asia Finals came to a close Sunday night in Shenzhen’s Longhua District, wrapping up three days of intense competition.

Team Zhuhai celebrates victory at the Season 2 PCL Asia Finals after clinching the championship title. Courtesy of Ramsports Group

Twenty-eight teams from seven countries — China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan, and Thailand — battled for the title, underscoring the sport’s accelerating popularity and rising competitive level across Asia.

With a more mature competition system and professional-grade venue support, this season delivered what organizers described as a “stable, elevated competitive standard,” further solidifying PCL Asia’s regional influence.

Champions crowned amid intensifying competition

Team Zhuhai claimed the championship with consistent performance, strategic precision, and strong execution in key moments. Team Shenyang finished as the runner-up, while Pickleyard Somo from the Philippines secured third place. All three teams were praised for showcasing international-caliber talent, making this season’s finals the most competitive yet.

“It’s a great honor to participate,” said Miao Yaxuan of Team Shenyang. “Competing with top players from so many countries is an invaluable experience. Teams from Southeast Asia are very strong, so advancing to the finals is something our team is proud of.”

The finals attracted leading figures from the global pickleball and sports sectors, including PCL founder Steve Kuhn, Ramsports Group president Alex Yuen, and Li Xiaoning of Li-Ning Group. Their presence underscored the event’s growing significance not only as a tournament, but as a platform bridging sports, industry, and culture across Asia.

PCL founder Steve Kuhn speaks with Shenzhen Daily about the sport’s rapid growth and rising talent across Asia. Shao Jingfeng

Speaking courtside, Kuhn praised the rapid improvement of players’ abilities across the region. “The level keeps improving. Some of the players I saw three months ago are already much stronger. The gap between American players and Asian players is shrinking every day.”

The game's participation has quickly increased, according to Kuhn, a signal of its growing commercial potential. “We now have more teams compared with the first season, including 14 from across China."

Kuhn also confirmed that PCL plans to stage three seasons a year. “We're finding more partners,” he added. “That will help us grow the tournaments, increase prize money, and make the experience more fun for everyone.”

He highlighted Shenzhen’s suitability as a pickleball hub. “Every time I come here, I hear about a new facility being built. This city is wonderful, and the level of facilities is improving every day.”

Li Xiaoning of Li-Ning Co. Ltd. discusses the company’s long-term commitment to pickleball in China in an interview with Shenzhen Daily. Shao Jingfeng

Representing the Li-Ning brand, Li Xiaoning — son of company founder Li Ning — reaffirmed the group’s long-term support for pickleball’s development in China.

“Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, including in China. As a China-based company, we will absolutely support its development — especially here in Shenzhen,” he said.

He also endorsed the idea of creating a pickleball league for international students in Shenzhen. “I think it’s a fantastic idea. Pickleball is expanding fast in the U.S., the U.K., and across Europe. Bringing such a league to Shenzhen would be great, and if it happens, Li-Ning Company will certainly be there as a lead sponsor.”

Competitors from around Asia shared their impressions of the fast-growing sport in China. Former Indonesian tennis player Desy Ratnasari said, “I’ve only played pickleball for two years, and I’m amazed by how quickly it has developed in China. There are so many strong Chinese teams. This is my first time reaching the semifinals. I never gave up — I fought for my team.”

Former Indonesian tennis star Desy Ratnasari shares her thoughts on China’s pickleball rise during an interview with Shenzhen Daily. Shao Jingfeng

Strategic signings expand Asia’s pickleball map

During the finals, Ramsports Group held a special signing ceremony, announcing new partnerships with international pickleball athletes Rob Nunnery, Farreez Mohammad, and Nicola Schoeman. The company also inked collaboration deals with INNOSPORTS, Kingsman Universal Limited, and Malaysian distributor Dinkit.

These agreements reflect Ramsports’ ambition to grow pickleball across Asia and strengthen international cooperation. The three athletes said they look forward to joining upcoming promotional and grassroots programs with the company.

Bringing pickleball into the community

Day 3 of the PCL Asia Finals takes place in the courtyard of Mission Hills Mall, aligning with China’s “Sports Into Communities” initiative. Photo from WeChat account "观澜湖高尔夫"

The three-day event included two days of competition at the Ramsports Pickleball Stadium, followed by a grand finals day at Mission Hills Mall. By bringing the championship into a busy commercial area, organizers aligned with China’s national “Sports Into Communities” initiative, which encourages hosting sports events in scenic and commercial spaces.

The event's multi-venue presentation is expected to help pickleball reach a wider audience, further embedding the sport into everyday urban life.