Quang Duong Changes Paddle at Zimmer Biomet, Apparent Rift with Selkirk Takes Drastic Turn
Pickleball sensation Quang Duong has found himself embroiled in controversy just as he is competing at the Zimmer Biomet Masters powered by Invited.
The teen prodigy from Vietnam curiously switched out his Selkirk paddle in favour of a Proton Series Three paddle after missing a routine backhand dink in his and partner Parris Todd’s Round of 64 mixed doubles match against Lindsey Newman/Blaine Hovenier.
The midgame switch wasn’t just a rare occurrence in a pro pickleball tournament; it’s also a head-scratcher consider Duong is still under contract with Selkirk. Then again, Duong has been seen recently using paddles made by other brands, notably JOOLA and Proton. In fact, the fifth-ranked singles player in the world had been posting on social media his training videos using paddles not named Selkirk.
This recent turn of events seems to indicate a rift between endorser and endorsee, and it has led to Selkirk sending Duong a cease-and-desist letter during the tournament. Selkirk also released a statement alleging Duong has committed several breaches of his contract starting September 4 of last year, “both on social media and in-person events. It also provided a reminder that partnerships like the one the company has with Duong should be honoured as it is “a way to grow the game and build the sport.”
See Selkirk’s statement in full here:
With Duong still in contention Zimmer Biomet Masters powered by Invited, it would be interesting to see what paddle he will use moving forward. Equally interesting is how this situation between him and Selkirk will play out as the former is still under contract with the latter until April 2025.
