The Philippine Pickleball Federation (PPF) sees the Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour (MPPT) providing a much-needed pathway for local players to compete regularly and eventually challenge for spots on the national team.

PPF president Shery Cu said the professional league is giving Filipino players more opportunities to test themselves instead of waiting months between competitions.

“Several of the players joining this league are players who came from our PPF tournaments. And this is good because it’s continuous. The level of competition is almost like every other league,” Cu said.

“They don’t have to wait one year or six months before we see how good they are."

The MPPT, which features 12 teams and 96 players, also gives local players the chance to compete alongside those who have already represented the Philippines internationally.

Cu said that the league is also helping uncover talent from the provinces, allowing promising players to be exposed to a higher level of competition much earlier.

“Apart from our players in the World Cup, they’re also playing internationally. So, what’s good about this is that our other local players who are also part of the other teams are playing here in MPPT,” Cu said.

“So, even the others are exposed to that level of competition.”

Cu said the federation has also been in regular communication with MPPT as both organizations look to strengthen the sport’s grassroots development.

“Even if they’re under the GAB (Games and Amusement Board), we’ve been talking continuously because they’re very supportive of how MPPT can help with grassroots development,” Cu said.