Hong Kong — Singer and actor Leo Ku, known locally as “Ku Sir,” stepped onto the pickleball court this week with comedian Cheng Yan-fu for a lighthearted but uneven showdown against Hong Kong’s national pickleball team. Despite months of secret training, Ku’s squad lost 11-7 — but not before deploying a cheeky numerical advantage that left fans laughing.
The exhibition match, held at a local pickleball facility, was organized to rally support for the Hong Kong team ahead of the upcoming Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam. Ku, who has been practicing the sport for several months, admitted his skills were no match for the professionals. Yet he entered the court with a bold mantra: “When playing pickleball, don’t be afraid. If you’re afraid, you lose for life.”
What Ku did not reveal until the match began was his unconventional strategy: outnumbering the opposition. Ku and Cheng brought along eight “clones” — stand-in players — to form a ten-person army. The national team, by contrast, fielded only two players at a time. The rules were simple: Ku’s team would lose one “clone” for every point they conceded. The first to 11 points would win.
Early Struggles and a Shift in Momentum
The match began with national team players Wu Liping and Lam Ying-suet taking the court. Both sides made initial errors, but the Hong Kong representatives quickly showed their superior technique, building an early lead.
Midway through the game, the national team substituted in male players Li Junwei and Lam Chun-hei, who brought sharper pace and power. Ku’s army shrank steadily — from ten to five, then to three, and finally to just Ku and Cheng. Despite occasional points that sent the duo jumping in celebration, the gap in skill was undeniable.
The final score of 11-7 reflected the national team’s dominance, but the match was less about competition and more about camaraderie.
Supporting Hong Kong’s World Cup Bid
The exhibition served as a public send-off for the 26-member Hong Kong squad heading to the Pickleball World Cup next month. Among the elite players are Asia’s top-ranked male player, Wong Hong-kit, and Hong Kong’s top-ranked female player, Tang Nok-yiu. Even former Olympic badminton medalist Chan Nok-yin will come out of retirement to compete.
Ku, who has recently developed a passion for pickleball, said afterward: “I’ve played with some of these athletes privately, but this match was hilarious. Even with our numbers advantage, we lost. But this sport is so much fun. I’ve been training hard for months, and I hope the Hong Kong team achieves great results at the World Cup. Everyone should cheer them on.”
He added with a grin that the loss had ignited his competitive spirit. “I’ll definitely keep practicing. Maybe one day I can represent Hong Kong myself.”
A Growing Sport with Local Star Power
Pickleball, a paddle sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has surged in popularity worldwide and is now gaining traction in Hong Kong. Celebrity endorsements like Ku’s are helping to raise its profile ahead of international competitions.
For fans looking to try the sport, local clubs offer beginner sessions, and the Hong Kong Pickleball Association provides resources on rules and equipment. The World Cup in Da Nang is expected to draw teams from across Asia and beyond, highlighting the sport’s rapid growth.
Ku’s message is clear: win or lose, the joy of the game — and the spirit of support — matters most.
