Twelve Teams Prepare for Professional Pickleball Action in Imus

MelMac Sports will make its professional pickleball hosting debut when MPPT Invitational Leg 3 arrives in Imus this weekend. Twelve teams will compete at Vista Mall Imus, where Parañaque Titans enter after winning the tournament’s first two legs.

MelMac Sports Hosts MPPT Invitational Leg 3 in Imus

Daily Tribune covered preparations for the two-day competition, which will bring professional pickleball into MelMac Sports for the first time. Owner Mel Macasaquit previously worked with Manny Pacquiao’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League during major sporting events beginning in 2019.

MelMac Sports also mounted the 2021 MPBL Invitational Bubble Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena during the pandemic. Macasaquit welcomed another Pacquiao-backed competition while discussing his venue’s selection for the third MPPT Invitational leg in Imus.

“Any tournament of Sec. Manny Pacquiao is always welcome here at MelMac Sports. We have a long history of working together, dating back to 2019, and we are happy to once again be part of an event that brings communities together through sports,” Macasaquit said.

“It’s great to see MPPT doing such a wonderful job organizing tournaments and promoting pickleball. We’re grateful to have been chosen as their venue for Leg 3.”

Image from: SPIN.ph

Macasaquit Welcomes MPPT Competition to MelMac Sports

Macasaquit’s involvement with Pacquiao-backed sporting events dates to the MPBL’s 2019 Lakan Season and continued through later competitions. MelMac Sports now adds professional pickleball to that history by hosting the third leg of the 12-team MPPT Invitational.

MelMac Converts Basketball Space Into Pickleball Courts

MelMac Sports will prepare three pickleball courts for the weekend competition as organizers accommodate the tournament’s complete 12-team field. The venue will convert its existing five-on-five basketball court into additional pickleball space before competition begins Saturday morning in Imus.

Spectators will also have access to the venue throughout the competition, while Planet Melmac will provide food during the tournament. Macasaquit said the hosting plan focuses on making the weekend comfortable and accessible for participating players and attending spectators.

“For us, it’s about making sure everyone enjoys the experience, not just the players. Our venue will be open to spectators, with Planet Melmac open to serving food for everyone. Fans can relax, enjoy good food, and comfortably watch the games from the stands. We want everyone to feel welcome and be part of the excitement.”

Venue Opens Tournament to Spectators During Weekend

MelMac Sports will welcome spectators throughout Leg 3, providing seating alongside food service from Planet Melmac during tournament competition. The three-court setup will accommodate matches across the weekend after organizers convert existing basketball space for professional pickleball play.

Parañaque Titans Enter Leg 3 With 193-Point Lead

Parañaque Titans enter Imus atop the MPPT standings after winning both previous invitational legs and accumulating 193 total points. Abra River Paddlers sit second with 131 points, leaving Parañaque with a 62-point advantage before the third competition begins.

Rizal Ilustrados follow with 116 points, while Tacloban Aces hold 107 and GenSan Punchers enter Leg 3 with 100. Those standings place five teams at 100 points or higher before another weekend of pool matches and knockout competition.

MPPT Leg 3 Groups and Standings

• Group A: Abra River Paddlers — 131 points; Tacloban Aces — 107; Batangas Bangers — 68; Bangued Miki — 64; Bacoor Strikers — 48; Muntinlupa Smashers — 40.
• Group B: Parañaque Titans — 193 points; Rizal Ilustrados — 116; GenSan Punchers — 100; Alfonso Siklab — 95; Pampanga Chiefs — 48; Camarines Norte Golden Hawks — 48.

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Twelve Teams Begin Two-Day MPPT Competition Saturday

MPPT Invitational Leg 3 begins Saturday at MelMac Sports, with the opening session scheduled to start at 8 a.m. Competition resumes with an afternoon session beginning at 1 p.m. before the tournament moves into its knockout phase Sunday.

Vagisil, JOOLA, and Xtreme will serve as event partners during the third invitational leg hosted at Vista Mall Imus. The two-day program brings all 12 teams together before Sunday’s knockout matches determine the tournament’s third leg champion.

Knockout Playoffs Follow Pool Competition on Sunday

Saturday’s competition will begin at 8 a.m. before another session starts at 1 p.m. during the tournament’s opening day. The competition will then shift into knockout playoffs Sunday, completing the third MPPT Invitational leg at MelMac Sports in Imus.

MPPT Commissioner Welcomes Third Invitational Leg

MPPT commissioner Mark Espinosa welcomed the tournament’s arrival in Imus as the competition prepares for its third invitational leg. Espinosa expects two days of competition featuring all 12 teams before the tournament concludes with Sunday’s knockout playoff stage.

He also thanked MelMac Sports for hosting Leg 3 and supporting preparations for another stop on the MPPT Invitational schedule. His comments highlighted the venue partnership and anticipated another gathering of the pickleball community during the two-day Imus competition.

“The excitement is building as we bring the MPPT Invitational Leg 3 to Melmac Sports in Imus. We’re looking forward to two days of intense competition and great sportsmanship as players come together to showcase their skills and passion for the game,” Espinosa said.

“A big thank you to Melmac Sports for hosting us and for being a great partner in making this leg possible. We truly appreciate their support and hospitality. We’re excited to see the pickleball community come together once again and make this another memorable leg of the MPPT Invitational.”

Espinosa Credits MelMac Sports for Hosting Imus Event

Espinosa thanked MelMac Sports for supporting Leg 3 as MPPT brings its latest 12-team invitational competition into Imus. The commissioner also highlighted the expected gathering of players and supporters throughout another two-day stop on the tournament schedule.

Analytical Breakdown: MPPT Venue Flexibility Supports Pickleball Growth

Converting an established basketball venue gives MPPT valuable flexibility while bringing organized pickleball competition closer to developing local communities. Accessible venues can strengthen participation because regular tournament exposure gives recreational players clearer connections to competitive pickleball and established communities. Parañaque’s biggest challenge is sustaining its dominance because opponents now possess two tournament legs of information for tactical adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will MPPT Invitational Leg 3 be held?

MPPT Invitational Leg 3 will take place at MelMac Sports inside Vista Mall Imus in Cavite this weekend.

How many teams will compete in MPPT Leg 3?

Twelve teams divided into two groups will compete during the third MPPT Invitational leg at MelMac Sports.

Which team leads the MPPT standings?

Two-leg champion Parañaque Titans lead the MPPT standings with 193 points, holding a 62-point advantage over second-place Abra.

How many pickleball courts will MelMac Sports prepare?

MelMac Sports will prepare three pickleball courts, including converted space from its existing five-on-five basketball court.

When does MPPT Invitational Leg 3 begin?

Competition begins Saturday at 8 a.m., followed by afternoon matches before the tournament concludes with Sunday’s knockout playoffs.

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