KUALA LUMPUR: Padel, a fast-paced racquet sport, is gaining momentum in Malaysia with the arrival of its first major international tournament.
The three-day Volvo Open, part of the Asia Pacific Padel Tour (APPT), will make its Malaysian debut at the Joy Division Padel Club in Petaling Jaya, starting today (Nov 8).
The tournament has drawn an impressive field of 211 players from 37 countries, competing across professional and amateur divisions in men's, women's and mixed categories. Professional players will battle for the US$6,500 prize purse.
As the 11th and penultimate stop of the 2024 season, Malaysia joins an elite circuit featuring major Asian cities, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Bali, Manila, Phuket, Shenzhen and Ho Chi Minh City.
Leading the local challenge is former national squash player Delia Arnold, who, despite only taking up padel this year, has already made her mark by securing fourth place in a team championship in Bali.
"While this is only our second competitive tournament, we're seeing growing interest among former squash players, including Aidan Yunos," Arnold said.
"Though both sports use walls and enclosed courts, padel presents unique challenges.
"The transition from singles in squash to doubles in padel requires different tactical thinking, and the game moves at a notably faster pace."