The Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase 2 marked Anna Leigh Waters' first direct appearance and interaction in TP HCM. This event is considered a significant milestone for the rapidly developing sport in Vietnam, aiming to promote and elevate pickleball within the local community.

Anna Leigh Waters, the world's number one pickleball player, made her debut appearance and played an exhibition match in TP HCM. *Frankln*

A unique highlight of the event was the "Immersive Experience" model, designed to bring fans closer to the game. Spectators stepped directly onto the court to participate in exhibition matches alongside professional athletes. Directly using the X-40 ball, an international competition standard, during these friendly matches helped amateur players clearly visualize the level of professional play and understand the sport's nuances.

During an interview at the event, Anna Leigh Waters expressed her impression of the energy and growth of Vietnam's pickleball community. "People aren't just playing because it's a trend; they are serious about their technique and equipment. I am impressed with how Franklin organized this space, approaching the standards of Major tournaments in the US," Anna Leigh Waters stated.

Over 1,300 spectators attended, creating a vibrant atmosphere for the event. *Franklin*

In addition to the interaction and exhibition matches, earlier that day, Anna Leigh Waters and her mother, Leigh Waters, participated in a Kids Clinic, providing training for children. Leigh, who directly coaches Anna, highly praised the potential of Vietnamese children. She also suggested the sport helps children develop patience and strategic thinking, essential skills both on and off the court.

"I see the eagerness in the eyes of the children and the seriousness of Vietnamese parents. From an organizational perspective, Franklin is doing well in bringing US standards to Vietnam to build a foundation from scratch," commented the mother of the world's number one player, emphasizing the importance of early development.

Fans stepped directly onto the court, participating in friendly matches with professional athletes. *Franklin*

Meanwhile, in the VIP Meet & Greet area, many fans and customers interacted directly with international stars. Valuable insights were shared with participants, including stories about choosing paddles, increasing weight with lead tape, and equipment maintenance, offering a deeper understanding of professional play.

The event was supported by several partners: Garmin, Satori, RecRec - Cricket Snacks, and Vier Dining. Throughout the program, the sponsor booths were consistently busy with visitors eager to learn more. The Garmin booth attracted hundreds of inquiries about health tracking devices, covering aspects from sleep and body energy levels to heart rate and activity levels. Pho Museum participated as a cultural experience partner, offering exclusive museum tours for pickleball players, blending sports with cultural immersion.

Anna Leigh Waters and her mother, Leigh Waters, participated in training children at the Pro Kids Clinic. *Fanklin*

The organizers stated they would continue to hold more professional tournaments and community events in the near future. This aligns with their commitment to sustainable pickleball development in the Vietnamese market, fostering growth and expertise within the sport.

Hoai Phuong