The great Zobel de Ayala pickleball match - Manila Bulletin

How this unique game has become one of the fastest-growing sports

A PICKLEBALL FAMILY From left: Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, and Lizzie Zobel de Ayala

Pickleball, not to be confused as a formal event dedicated to the flavorful treat, has recently made a name for itself as one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide. 

But what exactly is it? 

Surprisingly enough, pickleball finds its roots as far back as 1965 in the US after Washington state representative Joel Pritchard invented it alongside his friends Bill Bell and Barney McCallum. Some say that the sport got its unusual name after Pritchard’s wife, Joan, suggested calling it pickleball after the game’s mixed elements from other sports like tennis and badminton reminded her of a “pickle boat,” a boat comprising of rowers from different crews who race together after a competition. 

Other stories claim the sport was named after their dog, Pickles.

A TOAST TO PICKLEBALL From left: Gretchen Ho, Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Philippine Pickleball Federation president Armando Tantoco, Chrissy Roa, Toby’s Sports president Toby Claudio, and Paolo Abrera

Playing pickleball is quite simple. While pickleball is usually played in a court that’s 20 feet (six meters) wide and 40 feet (12 meters) long, all you’ll essentially need is a concrete surface to play on, some paddles, the pickleball, and a net in the middle to play the sport. In action, it’s a mix of elements from tennis, badminton, and ping pong. Of course, the best way to learn the sport is to witness and experience it for yourself.

AYALA SERVES Ayala Corporation chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala throws an excellent pickleball serve

On a bright sunny day on Oct. 6, at the Greenbelt Fashion Walk in Makati City, Ayala Malls kickstarted the surge of pickleball in the country through its Ayala Malls PickleMall, Pickleball at Ayala Malls event. To demonstrate just how exciting the sport is, a thrilling pickleball match between Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Mariana Zobel de Ayala versus Lizzie Zobel de Ayala and Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala was held. It had the entire crowd glued to the scene as the family members showcased their expertise in the sport. In the end, mother and son reigned triumphant taking the lead in a rather close game (11-8).

FUN WITH THE FAMILY A friendly pickleball match took place at the Greenbelt Fashion Walk between
Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Mariana Zobel de Ayala versus Lizzie Zobel de Ayala and Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala

“We feel that it’s a unique sport that can bring lots of different types of people together,” beams Mariana Zobel de Ayala. “And in my eyes, it fits perfectly into what we want Ayala Malls to be… A place where everyone feels welcome and at home.”

TRY IT YOURSELF Market! Market! has become one of the first malls in the Philippines to put up a permanent pickleball court

Of course, you too can have a shot at trying out this wonderful sport. Market! Market! has taken the lead by becoming one of the first malls in the Philippines to feature a permanent pickleball court. Other Ayala Malls will shortly follow. There will also be a series of scheduled pickleball clinics held at various Ayala Malls. For those who want to try out the competitive scene, Ayala Malls will also be holding an inter-mall tournament open to the public. 

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The great Zobel de Ayala pickleball match - Manila Bulletin
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