Pickleball gets another boost with opening of Pickle Lab in Island Glades

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dsc 8823 Connie Tan (fourth from left) launching the opening ceremony of Pickle Lab together with the centre’s partners (from left) Chang Yeong Khang, Alvin Thniah, Edmund Cheah, Alan Teoh, and Jia Ru.

PICKLEBALL received another boost in Penang with the official opening of Pickle Lab at Gembira Parade in Island Glades today.

 

In conjunction with the occasion, the inaugural Picklelab Open Championships 2025 was held over three days from Friday to today, attracting 400 participants from across Malaysia.

 

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(From left) Jia Ru, Chang, Edmund Cheah, Connie Tan, Alan Teoh and Alvin Thniah taking part in the official opening ceremony of Pickle Lab.

 

Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan Hooi Peng, who officiated the opening ceremony, congratulated the partners for venturing into a sports business that promotes healthy living.

 

“Seri Delima is a haven for pickleball enthusiasts. The first-ever public pickleball court in the state was established here, just outside my service centre. We’ve now, not just one, two or three, but five public pickleball courts in Seri Delima,” Tan said in a short speech at the opening ceremony.

 

She noted that several schools are actively using the indoor facilities, especially students from SM Hamid Khan and SMJK Chung Hwa Confucian.

 

 

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Cheah (left) presenting a JOOLA Pro 4 paddle, signed by world No. 4 Tyson McGuffin, to Tan after the launch of Pickle Lab.

 

“I’ve seen with my own eyes how pickleball has changed people’s lifestyles. Some who never exercised or enjoyed sports now come out of their homes daily just to play pickleball. They’ve become fitter and healthier. This is what the state government encourages — for everyone to embrace active living while building bonds and friendships,” Tan added.

 

Highlighting Seri Delima’s diverse community and many neighbourhood parks, including 16 of which are under the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), Tan said she was pleased to see senior citizens taking part in tai chi and other group exercises.

 

Having played a key role in the establishment of pickleball courts in the constituency, Tan expressed interest in initiating a pickleball competition in Seri Delima next year, possibly in collaboration with Pickle Lab. She also announced an allocation of RM2,000 to support Pickle Lab’s efforts.

 

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Tan showcasing her skills in a friendly game during the launch of Pickle Lab.

 

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(From left) Chang, Tan, Thiah and Jia Ru waving to the crowd after their friendly game.

 

One of Pickle Lab’s partners, Alan Teoh, thanked Tan for her encouragement and continued support.

 

“We began operating Pickle Lab in March this year to raise awareness about the game and to revitalise this shopping area. We have six enclosed, air-conditioned courts that operate from 8am to 2am daily,” Teoh said.

 

The tournament offered a total of RM130,000 in prize money.

 

Also present were Teoh’s partners, Edmund Cheah, Tiffany Wong, Jia Ru, Alvin Thniah and Chang Yeong Khang.

 

Later, Tan was invited to play a friendly match at the JOOLA-sponsored venue, partnering Chang against the duo of Alvin Thniah and Jia Ru.

 

During the main tournament, Khor Ee Yang and Syabil Shaharudin of Playa emerged as champions in the Men’s Doubles Open (Any DUPR Rating) category, taking home the top prize of RM10,000. Huang Yi Lee and Colin Wong of Farronax secured second place, while Muhammad Aiman Hamdan and Muhammad Ashaari Zainal Abidin of the Armed Forces finished third.

 

RESULTS (All finals):

Men’s Doubles Open (Any DUPR Rating):

  1. Khor Er Yang-Syabil Shaharudin (Playa)
  2. Huang Yi Lee-Colin Wong (Farronax)
  3. Muhammad Aiman Hamdan-Muhammad Ashaari Zainal Abidin (ATM)

 

Mixed Doubles Novice (DUPR Below 2.999)

  1. Chan Guo Jing-Catherine Chan Zhe Yen (Onevo Pickle Bolt)
  2. Sow Yih Jia-Lee Hsu Lin (Chubby x Pickletop)
  3. Lee Chong Tzer-Tan Lee Huang (Amazing Ace)

 

Mixed Doubles Intermediate (DUPR Below 3.499)

  1. Ng Dian Sheng-Kong Wern Yin (Team Rafa Nadal)
  2. Brandon Fong Jay Shern-Ang Pei Yan (Amazing Ace Academy)
  3. Soong Kah Chung-Oh Kah Mei (BG Picker Pickle)

 

Men’s Doubles Novice (DUPR Below 2.999)

  1. Ong Chin Loong-Ooi Sie Yuan (Chubby team)
  2. Neoh Tee Sheng-Lee Chee Kian (BG Pinnacle Yah Tuak)
  3. Ong Wei Meng-Khor Jun Feng (GSS)

 

Men’s Doubles Intermediate (DUPR Below 3.499)

  1. Giovan-Ng Dian Sheng (Team Rafa)
  2. Soong Kah Chung-Loo Suen Ming (BG Picker Pickle)
  3. Ong Yoong-Brandon Fong Jay Shern (Amazing Ace Academy)

 

Men’s Doubles Advance (DUPR Below 3.999)

  1. Lee Zhi Peng-Ryan Lee (Palace)
  2. Lin Huan Lin-Lim Chin Long (Team OZ x Secondregot)
  3. Mohd Farquhar Mohd Salleh-Muhammad Najib Ibrahim (Dinkin Park)

 

Women’s Doubles Novice (DUPR Below 2.999)

  1. Ng Huey Yee-Lee Hsu Lin (Pickletop)
  2. Song Xin Jie-Jennis Khor Jin Yi (Double XJ)
  3. Ooi Zi Ting-Wong Yihui (Krypton)

 

Story by K.H. Ong

Pix by Alissala Thian

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