Team AP33 by Buddy Syndicate Secures Runner-Up Finish at International Pickleball Tournament
Penang, Malaysia, Sept. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Team AP33 by Buddy Syndicate delivered an impressive performance
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Penang, Malaysia, Sept. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Team AP33 by Buddy Syndicate delivered an impressive performance at the two-day Datuk Tom Khoo Cup Pickleball Tournament, finishing as the first runner-up and taking home RM12,000 in prize money.
The team competed against a strong international field in the main tournament, which brought together 12 teams featuring players from 11 countries and regions. Their runner-up finish highlighted the team’s determination, coordination and competitive spirit throughout the event.
PBTS & You & Me emerged as the tournament champion and received RM32,000, while Team 002 Sapphire Kuda L’Eau secured third place.
Tournament title sponsor and George Town Pickleball Club adviser Datuk Tom Khoo presented the awards to Team AP33 by Buddy Syndicate and the other winning teams during the closing ceremony, recognising the players for their outstanding performances on the court.
The tournament concluded with a lively after-party featuring Hong Kong entertainer Wong Cheung-hing, who performed two songs and celebrated alongside the players and invited guests.
Wong is currently in Malaysia filming a Chinese New Year movie scheduled for release in 2027. As a sports enthusiast and an acquaintance of George Town Pickleball Club president Joanne Ong, he accepted an invitation to visit Penang and support the tournament.
Team AP33 Competes on an International Stage
The main Datuk Tom Khoo Cup competition attracted participants from 11 countries and regions, with a combined RM51,000 in prize money and awards.
By securing second place in this competitive field, Team AP33 by Buddy Syndicate demonstrated its ability to compete strongly on an international stage while representing the growing pickleball community.
The tournament began with the Datuk Tom Khoo Cup – Penang Cup, which was primarily open to Penang residents. A total of 27 teams registered, with each team comprising eight to ten male and female players. The combined value of its prizes and awards was RM11,500.
Datuk Tom Khoo said pickleball transcends age barriers by bringing together people from different generations who share a passion for sport. He recalled seeing players aged 11, in their 30s, in their 50s and 69 competing in the same match—an experience that demonstrated the sport’s ability to strengthen community ties.
Among those present were Ho Yang managing director Datuk Wang Haoyuan, marketing and event planning specialist Zheng Zhenyi, Sin Chew Daily Northern Region senior regional manager Hong Fanrong, and Guang Ming Daily advertising sales director Zheng Yuling.
Alexis Lee AP33 +601157624568 iloveap33@gmail.comHome
