Pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters already slated for Manila return
MANILA, Philippines — Pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters just wrapped up her three-day Manila visit but already announced she is coming back to the Philippines soon.
The world's No. 1 female pickleball on Friday announced she will return to Manila on December 9 to to grace the IAM Worldwide Pickleball Showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The tournament will feature some of the country’s biggest celebrities and performers in an event slated to be part of the Philippine pickleball boom.
Waters made the announcement during a press conference at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati to cap off her Philippine visit.
Co-presented by US equipment leader Franklin Sports together with premier health and wellness brand IAM Worldwide, the exclusive press luncheon brought together members of the media to celebrate the renowned athlete’s first visit to Manila.
At 19 years old, Waters stands as the undisputed World No. 1 in Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. Fresh off claiming over 200 PPA titles and completing another Triple Gold sweep in the United States, she arrived in Manila as the headline star of the Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase.
Hosted by sportscaster Boom Gonzalez, the press conference highlighted Waters’ key brand engagements. Opening the program with Franklin Sports, Waters discussed representing the pioneer equipment brand globally and sharing pro-level technology with local players. She shared insights on her Franklin C45° Aurelius Signature Paddle and the blacked-out "Franklin Whip / ?" prototype paddle she has used in recent tournament victories. Franklin executives Jared Franklin (Head of International) and John Lynch (Head of Marketing), alongside Waters’ parents Stephen and Leigh Waters, joined the media appearance.
Meanwhile, IAM Worldwide highlighted Waters in her newest role as the company’s Global Sports Ambassador. Executive leadership — including President Allen Marvin Yu Eder, Vice President Aika Lorraine Uy, and General Manager Anna Mañego — welcomed Waters, who filmed a commercial campaign for the brand in New York City last June. During her segment, Waters demonstrated her daily health regimen using the IAM Pure Organic Barley and Choco Barley, while sharing samples of the IAM Amazing Organic Barley Gummies with attending media.
During the Q&A session, Franklin Sports outlined plans to support regional tournaments, youth clinics, and local equipment distribution through major Philippine sports retailers. Concurrently, IAM Worldwide executives emphasized how partnering with a World No. 1 athlete advances their mission of promoting health and wellness to a wider audience, worldwide.
The press event concluded with a ceremonial photo opportunity and gift exchange. IAM Worldwide executives presented Waters with a welcome bouquet, while Franklin Sports gifted the IAM leadership team the Franklin ALW Signature Paddles.
Following her Manila appearance, Waters continues the Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase with upcoming stops in Malaysia and Hong Kong.
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