002's Newest Duo Skips the Learning Curve, Wins Gold Immediately

Two new signings paired up for the first time at the Lifetime LT Open Malaysia Pickleball Tournament and walked away with gold. Irshad Mustafa and Brandon Fong, both players under 002 Pickleball Club & Academy, beat a field that included Syabil, Ashaari, Razlan and Mustofa in their very first outing as a pair.

The timing made the result more striking. Fong signed with 002 just days before the tournament, on 23 Aug. The academy had wanted to work with him since he was rated below 3.5, coaching him in Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur before he was ready to make it official. Irshad joined 002 in July, on 21 Jul, in time for the APP Penang Open, playing on a Gearbox GX2 Power.

Both players are coached by ctreflections at 002. The club credited Gearbox Sports and MyPickleball.my for their support of Irshad, and said it is looking forward to seeing more of Fong in the Open Division.

This article is based on social media posts and historical data tracked by Pickle361.