Strong Pickelball Run Brings Team AP33 Runner-Up Spot at Penang Cup

Team AP33 by Buddy Syndicate finished as runner-up at the Datuk Tom Khoo Cup Pickleball Tournament in Penang, Malaysia. The team took home RM12,000 ($2,950) after defeating 11 teams from across the region and beyond. Two-Day Event, $12,500 in Prizes The two-day tournament brought together 12 teams representing 11 countries and regions, with RM51,000 ($12,500) in prize money and awards on offer in the main Tom Khoo Cup competition. Team AP33 made its way through the field to reach the final before finishing second. PBTS & You & Me were the winners of the tournament, collecting RM32,000 ($7.800), while Team 002 Sapphire Kuda L’Eau finished third with RM7,000 ($1,700). Datuk Tom Khoo, the tournament title sponsor and an adviser to the George Town Pickleball Club, presented the prizes during the closing ceremony. For Team AP33, the result came after a tournament that tested the players against an international field and gave the squad an opportunity to compete in one of Penang’s larger pickleball events. Two Cups, One Championship The championship was held at G.O.A.T Sungai Pinang and featured both the Tom Khoo Cup and the Penang Cup. Earlier tournament coverage said the overall championship attracted 160 players from 11 countries and regions, with combined prize money of RM61,600 ($15,000) across the two competitions. The event began with the Penang Cup, which was primarily aimed at local Penang players. Twenty-seven teams registered for that competition, with teams made up of eight to 10 male and female players. Speaking about the sport during the tournament, George Town Pickleball Club adviser Datuk Tom Khoo took the opportunity to speak about pickleball’s ability to bring together players from several different generations. Khoo, known for his iconic feat of securing his second World Marathon Majors Hall of Fame in less than two years, also recalled seeing participants as young as 11 alongside players in their 30s, 50s and 60s competing on the same courts. The Perfect Mix: Sport and Fun Entertainment The tournament was not solely limited to sport, as the organizers brought together plenty of entertainment opportunities. The schedule included a closing after-party that featured well-known Hong Kong entertainer Wong Cheung-hing, who performed two songs for players, guests and organizers. Wong is currently located in Malaysia where he is busy filming a Chinese New Year movie that will be released in 2027. He was invited to attend the Penang event through his connection with George Town Pickleball Club president Joanne Ong and his interest in sports. The runner-up finish of Team AP33 adds to their involvement in Malaysia’s growing pickleball scene. The company had previously announced its sponsorship of Buddy Syndicate’s six-player lineup for the tournament, which was held on September 5 and 6, 2026, at G.O.A.T Sungai Pinang.