Metro Manila, Philippines – World No. 1 pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters is set to return to the Philippines in December for a showdown organized by IAM Worldwide, following her first visit to the country this week.
The 19-year-old American announced Thursday, Oct. 15, that she will return on Dec. 9 for the IAM Worldwide Pickleball Showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, an event expected to feature some of the country’s biggest celebrities and performers.
Waters made the announcement during a press conference in Makati co-presented by IAM Worldwide and Franklin Sports, marking the end of her three-day Philippine visit as part of the Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase.
The American athlete, who holds the world No. 1 ranking in women’s singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles, was also introduced as IAM Worldwide’s global sports ambassador.
IAM Worldwide said the partnership with Waters aims to promote active lifestyles and introduce its products to a wider international audience.
Waters, who has won more than 200 Professional Pickleball Association titles, discussed her daily health regimen and her partnership with IAM Worldwide. She previously filmed a commercial campaign for the company in New York City in June.
Franklin Sports, meanwhile, outlined plans to support regional pickleball tournaments, youth clinics and equipment distribution in the Philippines.
Waters will continue her Asian tour with stops in Malaysia and Hong Kong before returning to Manila in December.
This is a news release from I Am Worldwide
