The 2025 Pickleball Champions League (PCL) Asia Season 2 Grand Finals in Shenzhen, China, was the ultimate stage for Asia’s fastest-growing sport. With 28 teams from seven countries battling for the title, the competition was fierce, showcasing the accelerating rise of pickleball talent across the region. Team Malaysia, represented by the champion Bintang Pro Picklers, brought their signature energy and skill, marking a critical milestone in the nation’s pickleball journey.
Though the ultimate trophy went to Team Zhuhai, the experience for the Malaysian contingent was invaluable, defined by high-intensity matches, electric crowds, and the opportunity to compete against the continent’s best. It was a true test of strategy, unity, and resilience, proving that Malaysian pickleball is ready to challenge the status quo on the international stage.
Here is a closer look at the powerhouses who led the charge for Malaysia, bringing their impressive competitive pedigrees to the Grand Finals.
The Malaysian Quartet: Star Power on the International Stage
The foundation of Team Malaysia's success was built on the combined skill and experience of its elite players, each bringing a high-level competitive history to the court.
Captain Safa Kelvin: The Veteran Leader
Leading the Bintang Pro Picklers into Shenzhen was the team captain, Safa Kelvin, a name synonymous with winning in the Malaysian pickleball scene. Safa's blend of experience, tactical acumen, and powerful play makes him one of the nation’s most decorated athletes. His consistent performance, especially in doubles, has been instrumental in raising the bar for men's pickleball in the country.
Safa Kelvin’s Elite Track Record:
- PCL Season 2 Team Event Champion (2025): The title that secured his team's spot on the Asian stage.
- PPA Malaysia Cup 35+ Singles Champion
- Malaysia Top 5 35+ Men’s Doubles Open
- 2 Times Defending Champion for Ligas Pickleball Tournament (2024)
- Men's Doubles Open AFA Sport dink3 Champion (2024)
- Negeri Sembilan Men’s Doubles Open Champion (2025)
Mirzzy Kelvin: The Pro Powerhouse
A key member of the Malaysian squad, Mirzzy Kelvin brings a professional, high-level pedigree to the team. A Facolos Signed Pro Pickleball Player and an IPTPA Level 2 Certified Coach, Mirzzy's rapid ascent since debuting in July 2024 is exceptional, demonstrated by his DUPR ratings (Doubles 4.696 / Singles 4.715). His background as a former Sarawak state tennis player gives him the competitive edge needed for the PCL's intense match-play format.
Mirzzy Kelvin’s Key Achievements:
- WPC Asia Pickleball Grand Slam Malaysia 2025: Champion in Men's Doubles 19+ Adv+ and Mixed Doubles 19+ Adv+.
- PPA Asia Tour, Vietnam Open 2025: Silver in Men's Singles 19+ Open.
- PPA Asia Tour, Malaysia Open 2025: Silver in Men's Doubles 19+ Open, and Bronze in both Mixed Doubles and Men's Singles 19+ Open.
- LBS Pickleball Mixed Doubles Cup Edition 2025: Champion in Mixed Doubles Advanced.
- Great Malaysia Pickleball Cup 2025: Silver in Team Event (representing Team 002).
Kah Yan Ooi: The International Competitor
Team Malaysia was further bolstered by the exceptional talent of Kah Yan Ooi, a multi-sport athlete who has quickly become one of the most exciting female players in Asian pickleball. Her powerful drives and defensive tenacity were vital assets in the mixed and women’s doubles matches.
Kah Yan Ooi’s Key Achievements:
- Skyworth Pickleball Tournament 2025 (Team Event) - Champion
- WPC MATTA Malaysia Pickleball Grand Slam (Women's Doubles 19+ 4.5) - First Runner-up
- PPA Tour Australia: Perth Pickleball Open 2025 (Women’s Singles 19+ Open 4.0 & above) - Second Runner-up
- The Flying Pickle Tournament 2025 (Mixed Doubles 19+ Open) – First Runner-up
- Alliance Bank KL Open Pickleball Championship 2025 (Women's Doubles 19+ Open) - Fourth place
Arianna: The Racket Sport Veteran
Arianna provides a wealth of high-level racket sport experience, having represented Malaysia at the ASEAN Games in 2014 as a competitive tennis player. She has seamlessly transitioned her skills into pickleball, now coaching full-time while dominating on the competitive circuit. Her disciplined, structured approach, cultivated as an elite athlete and coach, was crucial to the team's PCL success.
Arianna’s Achievements (2025):
- PCL Season 2 Team Event Champion (Women’s & Mixed Doubles): Instrumental in securing the national title for the team.
- Siam Sketchers Women’s Singles 19+ Open Champion
- Siam Sketchers Women’s Singles 19+ Advanced Champion
- Skechers International Tournament (Malaysia Edition) 19+ Singles Open Champion
- PPA Malaysia Cup 19+ Doubles Bronze Medalist
- Alliance Bank Championship 19+ Women’s Doubles Bronze Medalist
- Siam Sketchers Women’s Doubles 19+ Open Bronze medalist
- PPA Malaysia Cup 19+ Singles Semifinalist
- WPC Bali 19+ Advanced Women’s Doubles Semifinalist
A Campaign of Growth and Grit
The PCL Asia Grand Finals was more than just a competition; it was a cultural exchange and a celebration of the sport’s community. Team Malaysia showed immense grit in the group stages, navigating the challenging MLP-style team format which includes men’s doubles, women’s doubles, two mixed doubles, and a high-stakes Dreambreaker tie-breaker.
The battles fought by Safa Kelvin, Mirzzy Kelvin, Kah Yan Ooi, and Arianna proved that Malaysian pickleball is catching up to the region's heavyweights. The experience gained under the intense pressure of the international spotlight will undoubtedly fuel their ambition for PCL Season 3 and beyond.
Congratulations to Team Malaysia for a memorable campaign. The dinks were sharp, the drives were powerful, and the heart of a champion was on full display! We look forward to seeing the Malaysian pickleball stars continue to elevate the sport and make Malaysia proud.
