SHAH ALAM, June 14 — The inaugural Oriental Daily News Malaysia Open 2026 concluded today at the Grand Pickleball Arena in Shah Alam.

Held from June 12 to 14, the three-day tournament brought together hundreds of players from across the country and offered a total prize pool of RM100,000.

The competition featured Junior, Novice, Intermediate and Open divisions, with players from different age groups and skill levels taking part.

Oriental Daily Sdn Bhd Director of Editorial Coordination Pattrik Ting said the tournament’s success reflected the support shown by players, organisers and the sporting community.

(From left) Ding Lee Leong, Adeline Lau, Datuk Wan Khalik and Pattrik Ting, posed with the top three winners of the Mixed Doubles Open category. — Picture courtesy of ODN Malaysia Open
(From left) Ding Lee Leong, Adeline Lau, Datuk Wan Khalik and Pattrik Ting, posed with the top three winners of the Mixed Doubles Open category. — Picture courtesy of ODN Malaysia Open

“The tournament is not only about competition. It is also about learning, sharing, friendship and growing the pickleball community,” he said.

Malaysia Pickleball Association ad-hoc committee member Datuk Wan Khalik Wan Mohamed said the participation of children and younger players showed the sport’s growing appeal.

He said more young players should be encouraged to take up pickleball, adding that the sport could one day be featured in major competitions such as the SEA Games, Asian Games and the Olympics.

Champions of the Men’s Doubles Open category, one of the tournament’s most competitive categories, Dickson Ng (left) and Desmond Lim. — Picture courtesy of ODN Malaysia Open
Champions of the Men’s Doubles Open category, one of the tournament’s most competitive categories, Dickson Ng (left) and Desmond Lim. — Picture courtesy of ODN Malaysia Open

Champions were crowned across 10 categories, including the Junior, Novice, Intermediate and Open divisions.

The tournament ended with the Mixed Doubles Open category, where Pauline Ng Jia Hui and Wei Siang emerged winners ahead of Jessica Keng and Muhammad Zhahin Ielyas, while Chan Ren Chern and Lim Yi Wen placed third.

Organisers said the tournament’s participation and support from the sporting community would help the continued development of pickleball in Malaysia.