SINGAPORE — The inaugural OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Open concluded this past weekend, cementing its status as one of Southeast Asia's largest tournaments. The highly anticipated three-day event drew over a thousand eager players to the spacious OCBC Arena at The Kallang, Singapore.
A Record-Breaking Turnout
The sheer scale of the competition was remarkable. More than 600 matches were contested from Friday to Sunday, with participants flying in from as far as Australia and India. The age range was equally impressive, spanning from 13 to 75 years old.
Crowning the Champions
After three days of intense rallies and strategic gameplay, four pairs of champions were ultimately crowned. The categories included Novice, Open, Bank of Singapore Corporate Challenge, and the Bank of Singapore Invitational Championship.
In the highly competitive Corporate Challenge, Basil Yeo and Ng Ka Wei from Zenith Education Studio claimed the top prize. The Seagate Singapore duo of Jeffrey Kuok and Loy Chye Meng finished as the runner-up, showcasing fierce corporate sportsmanship.
A massive prize pool of over S$100,000 was distributed to the winning teams. This substantial reward highlights the rapid commercialization and soaring popularity of the sport, attracting top-tier talent from across the region to compete at the highest level of this dynamic athletic discipline.
Pickleball for All Generations
The tournament proved that pickleball is truly a sport for everyone. The oldest competitor, a grandfather named Sam Ho, picked up the sport just a few months ago and proudly competed in the Novice category.
Sam Ho was among 10 beneficiaries from Care Corner Seniors Services selected to play. This wonderful opportunity arose from the OCBC Cares Seniors Pickleball Programme, which provides free training to a group of 100 seniors, encouraging active living and community bonding.
This inclusive initiative demonstrates the sport's low barrier to entry. By providing accessible training, organizers are helping seniors stay physically active, mentally sharp, and socially connected, significantly improving their overall quality of life.
A Resounding Success
OCBC’s head of group brand and communications, Koh Ching Ching, expressed immense satisfaction with the event. She noted that the vibrant turnout beautifully showcased the widespread popularity of pickleball across different generations and nationalities.
The seamless execution of over 600 matches over three days highlights Singapore's capability to host major international sporting events. The tournament successfully brought together diverse communities, from corporate executives to active seniors, uniting them through a shared passion for the fast-growing game of pickleball.
