SIBU: The Podium Project celebrated its third championship title of the year after securing the Team Event crown at the recently concluded Swan City 2.0 Pickleball Tournament 2025 held from August 29 to August 31 at SMI Park here.
Competing under the banner Paragon Podium Ace, the team triumphed over IPSS Smashers in the final with a convincing 3-1 scoreline, clinching the champion’s purse of RM6,888.
In a statement, The Podium Project highlighted that the winning roster featured Izzul Aizuddin, Muhd Ashaari, Emilio David, Jason Wong, Alvin Lu, Danny Tan, Eugenia David, Joanne Wong, and Maggie Ng.
“Men’s Doubles 19+, Izzul Aizuddin and Muhd Ashaari secured the opening point, while Women’s Doubles 19+ pair, Eugenia David and Joanne Wong, extended the lead.
“In the Mixed Doubles 50+, IPSS Smashers fought back, defeating Maggie Ng and Danny Tan. But in the Men’s Doubles 40+, Jason Wong and Alvin Lu sealed the victory in style,” the statement read.
In a strong show of depth, The Podium Project’s second team – Podium Project – also excelled, making a surprise run into the quarterfinals.
The underdog team, featuring Emmanuel David, Manogaran Subramanian, Hafisz Rachman, Adrian Loi, Adam David Liew, Claudia Chai, Amalia Affiyati, Voon Joon Mui and Dolly Tiew, topped their group, stunning IPSS Picklers in the Round of 16, and facing Paragon Podium Ace in an all-Podium showdown at the quarterfinal stage.
Players from Paragon Podium Ace also delivered strong performances in the individual events.
Izzul Aizuddin paired with Muhd Ashaari to win the Men’s Doubles Open, while teammates, Emilio David and Mohd Rhusdy, finished third, and Jason Wong with Danny Tan placed fourth.
In the Women’s Doubles Open, Eugenia David and Tang Xiaoli took the title, with Maggie Ng and Nazerene Salleh finishing second, and Joanne Wong alongside Ooi Kah Yan in third.
The winning momentum carried into the Mixed Doubles Combined Age, where Izzul teamed up with Lydia Wong to secure another championship.
Maggie Ng also earned a podium finish, claiming third with partner, Gilbert Yeo.
This victory cements The Podium Project’s momentum in 2025, marking a hat-trick of titles and underscoring its commitment to nurturing top-tier pickleball talent in Sarawak and beyond.
“We are incredibly proud of both our teams and their resilience throughout the tournament. To secure our third major title this year is a testament to the hard work, discipline and passion our players bring to the court,” said Director of The Podium Project, Emmanuel David.
He extended a heartfelt thanks to the sponsors, partners and supporters who continue to believe in the mission of elevating Sarawakian pickleball onto the national and international stages.
“This win is for all of you – Your Podium, Your Journey,” he added.
