SIBU: Raden Khairulzaman and Hii Chung Yao became the first players to qualify for the WAK Fest Pickleball Challenge (WFPC) Grand Final after winning the opening qualifying leg in Sibu.
Held at the iPSS Pickleball Academy on June 13, the inaugural WFPC 2026 event marked the start of a multi-city series under WAK Festival 2026 aimed at promoting active lifestyles and supporting the growth of pickleball across Sarawak.
The men’s doubles competition produced several closely contested matches, with Raden and Hii emerging champions to secure their places in the grand final, which will be held during WAK Festival 2026 in Kuching.
Joseph Sia and Desmond Ting Sie Kiet finished as runners-up, while Wong Kai Seng and Moses Law Li Wei claimed third place. Lau Sing Shong and Jason Ting Sii Yung finished fourth.
Organisers praised the commitment, sportsmanship and competitive spirit displayed throughout the tournament, which attracted pickleball enthusiasts from across the state.
They also acknowledged the support of players, volunteers and supporters, describing it as another sign of the sport’s growing popularity in Sarawak.
WAK Festival and tournament technical partner The Podium Project also thanked iPSS Pickleball Academy for hosting the event and providing the competition venue.
With the opening qualifying leg completed, attention now turns to the next stop on the WFPC calendar in Miri.
