Miami Pickleball Club Brings Star Power to Malaysia
The Miami Pickleball Club Legends Tour came to Malaysia over the past weekend, bringing with it the chance for Malaysian fans to see Federico Staksrud, Tyra Black and Eric Oncins in action. The trio took part in exhibition matches, delivered clinics, and even judged the Miss Pickleball Malaysia ‘Pageant’ (more on that later).
PNA didn’t get the chance to speak to any of the Miami Pickleball Club team, and we are somewhat at a loss to understand the commercial reasons for their visit. They don’t seem to be promoting any brands to sell, and given the expense of running the event—combined with what looked like modest ticket sales—it’s hard to be sure exactly why they embarked on this two-stop Asia tour.
That said, we are glad they did, because anything that brings world-class players to Asia for fans to meet, greet and watch play is to be applauded. Fans had plenty of access to these pickleball stars.
A Relaxed Showcase of World-Class Talent
It was refreshing to see and hear these top players showcase their talents in such a relaxed environment. They were microphoned up during play, revealing the VERY humorous side of Staksrud. Tyra didn’t say much, but her talent more than made up for the lack of words, with the crowd genuinely wowed by her play. And it was difficult not to laugh as Eric Oncins “returned” an Ernie in one game, telling us all “I can do that too” as he flew through the air.
The Surprise Highlight: Miss Pickleball Malaysia Pageant
For PNA, one of the highlights of the whole event was the Miss Pickleball Malaysia Pageant. Not for the event itself (although we agree it’s a nice concept), but because of who won.
Eight finalists took part in the contest. Many more entered, but the eight who reached the final booked their spots by accumulating votes.
The final eight consisted of seven young ladies—estimated to be in their early 20s to early 30s—and one 57-year-old, whom the compères kept referring to as “Auntie Susan”. From the moment all eight entered the Colosseum grandstand at Tomaz courts, it was clear Susan was the crowd’s favourite.
She secured 50% of the votes from the crowd in attendance, and her performance in the pickleball challenge meant she ended up in the final 2, where she played a women’s doubles match against the other remaining competitor. Susan was lucky enough to partner Hurricane Tyra Black in this match, but it was Susan herself who hit the winning shot—a lob that went unanswered—earning her the title of Miss Pickleball Malaysia 2026.
It was a poetic conclusion, as earlier in the contest Susan had told us her pickleball nickname is “The Lob-ster Queen”, because she is known to have a great lob.
An Interview With the New Miss Pickleball Malaysia
1. What made you decide to enter the Miss Pickleball Malaysia pageant, and did you think you had a chance to win?
Just for fun thinking that perhaps this is a pageant with skills, so why not? But from young I have been a person who will just take up challenges because I feel like I have nothing to lose but lots to gain from the journey, the memories, the process, interaction with people. This is how I develop myself to be confident as my parents are considered from the B40 category (Editors Note: In Malaysia this means low income), so I get myself involved in any activities or competition that can benefit me to be a better person and help my family along the way.
2. How did you feel when you took part in the final and were lining up against all the young girls?
I was very calm and composed. Not fearful at all with these young girls. I kept thinking to myself that if I am able to play the games and hit my top form and get a little bit of luck along the way, then I stand a chance. You have to admit that challenges like these can be anyone’s game, some days our shots are good and some days our shots are just not happening… so I just remained hopeful that this would be my day.
3. What was it like getting the chance to partner with “Hurricane”?
It was amazing but of course both Hurricane and Mya played perhaps 30 percent of their usual strength. Even so, the feeling of having Hurricane beside me, covering me and encouraging me was surreal. I honestly felt like “is this a real thing or just in my dreams?” They are professionals and we are just nobodies, but Miami Pickleball Club gave us this opportunity to play with professionals, something that I will remember for a very long time.
4. You got very emotional when you actually won. Can you share some of what you were feeling at that moment?
Till now I am still tearing whenever I think of this memorable experience of being Ms Pickleball Malaysia 2026. Coming from a poor family background I grew up having only sports to fill up my time. We did not have television or phone or even toys growing up. As a kid I used to fill my time with sports, climbing trees, going to the stream with baskets to catch fish! I live a simple life and am happy with what God has blessed me with. It is amazing that at 57 years old I am still able to be active and enjoy the little things in life. My children have grown up and I can pursue activities that give me joy and at the same time are enabling me to make new friends and even be an inspiration to many others out there that follow the game. I find it hard to believe that I managed to experience this success at this age and I am so happy that it made my husband, son, daughter-in-law, daughters and family members proud of me.
5. How has pickleball impacted your life, and would you encourage other older players to give it a go?
Pickleball is THE ultimate sport for me, it has even made me a little bit famous with most of the players from Reclub sessions knowing me or having seen me compete or tasted my skills. But what matters to me most is that pickleball fills up my time, it’s a healthy activity for me, and I have made many new friends through this sport.
I definitely encourage other seniors to give the sport a go. In fact, there are many above 55 years old players out there who are really good. But even for those who feel that they are not good, do not fret, just go out and play pickleball to keep you active and “yum cha” with new friends. Two hours of fun and movement you’ll feel time pass by so fast. So just pick up a paddle and enjoy!
PNA Agrees With Susan
At PNA we agree – for seniors and new players of any age alike, pick up a paddle and give it a try. Who knows? Next time Miami Pickleball Club come to town, it might be you playing with Tyra Black or another superstar of the sport.
