Why Did Quang Duong Switch from a Selkirk Paddle to a Proton

In an intense doubles match during yesterday’s Carvana PPA Tour event, pickleball pro player Quang Duong shocked fans and analysts alike by swapping his Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Epic paddle for a Proton paddle mid-game. The unexpected switch came in the first set while partnering with Paris Todd, as they faced off against Brandon Hoviener and Lindsey Newman.

The surprise?  Quang Duong is sponsored by Selkirk. For a professional athlete so closely tied to a brand, making a mid-match switch to a competitor’s paddle is almost unheard of. Was it strategy, equipment failure, or something else entirely?

The duo ultimately secured a straight-sets victory, 11-9, 11-4, but it’s the paddle switch that has everyone talking. Let’s dive into what happened, who Quang Doung is, and why this moment matters in the growing world of pickleball.

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What Happened During the Match?

Midway through the first set, with momentum hanging in the balance, Quang made the surprise move to switch his paddle. He walked over to his bag, picked up a Proton paddle, and reentered the match without missing a beat.

This wasn’t just any switch—it was from Selkirk, the brand he represents, to Proton, a rising competitor in the paddle market. For a professional player, such a move is practically unheard of, particularly during a televised match.

See the warning shot that Ben Johns drove to Quang Duong.

Why It’s a Big Deal

Brand Loyalty

As a Selkirk-sponsored athlete, Quang has been the face of their Vanguard Power Air Epic paddle, which is celebrated for its durability, precision, and control. Switching paddles mid-match to a rival brand isn’t just a technical choice—it’s a statement, intentional or not.

For Selkirk, this could pose questions about whether their paddle met the needs of their star athlete during a critical moment. For Quang, it signals the pressures and demands of competition, where even small decisions can have big implications.

Tactical Adjustment

Proton paddles are gaining a reputation for their ability to generate spin and power, making them a great choice for fast-paced, high-energy matches. Quang’s decision to switch might have been driven by a need to adapt to the aggressive style of Hoviener and Newman.

Perhaps he felt that the Proton paddle offered more offensive potential or better suited the match’s tempo. If so, it’s a testament to Quang’s adaptability and willingness to take risks in pursuit of victory.

Equipment Issue

At the professional level, even a minor flaw in a paddle can affect performance. A slight crack, an uneven surface, or a grip issue might have prompted the switch. Quang’s quick and seamless adjustment speaks to his composure and ability to adapt under pressure.

Final Score of the Match

Quang Doung and Paris Todd ultimately won over Brandon Hoviener and Lindsey Newman with a straight-sets victory, 11-9, 11-4. The win showcased the pair’s synergy, with Todd’s aggressive net play complementing Quang’s strategic shot placement.

Selkirk Responds to the Paddle Switch

Following the match, Selkirk released a statement addressing their relationship with Quang Duong, clarifying the situation surrounding his use of a Proton paddle mid-game:

"Quang Duong is under contract with Selkirk through April of 2025. Following multiple contract breaches he made over the course of months, with the first dating back to September 4th, both on social media and at in-person events, we continued our efforts to work with him to find resolutions. In the hopes to prevent continuous and additional breaches, which included unauthorized auction of unreleased paddles and prototypes to the public, a cease and desist letter was sent electronically. Claims of 'serving' Quang Duong on the pickleball court at a tournament, or even in person, are inherently false. At Selkirk we believe in honoring and fulfilling agreements between us and our partners/athletes as a way to grow the game and build the sport."

This statement adds a new layer of complexity to the situation. It appears the paddle switch was not a spontaneous decision but may be part of a larger disagreement between Quang and Selkirk.

Who Is Quang Duong?

Quang Duong is one of pickleball’s fastest-rising stars. At just 18 years old, the Torrance, California native turned professional in 2023 and has since made waves with his strategic gameplay and calm, calculated demeanor. Standing at 5’11”, the right-handed player has become known for his precision and adaptability, qualities that have helped him climb the ranks quickly.

Duong’s dedication to the sport has paid off, earning him a DUPR of 6.946 in singles, where he’s currently ranked #5, and a solid 6.587 in doubles, ranking #25. With a 28-20 doubles record over the past year, including upset wins against higher-seeded teams, he’s proven that he can compete with the very best.

His partnership with Paris Todd is relatively new, but the pair has already displayed impressive chemistry on the court. Known for her aggressive and high-energy playstyle, Todd complements Duong’s calculated approach perfectly.

Who Is Paris Todd?

Paris Todd, 26, is one of the top female pickleball players. She's based in Boca Raton, Florida. A Franklin-sponsored pro, she turned professional in 2023 and has quickly built a reputation as a fierce competitor in both singles and doubles formats.

At 5’7” and right-handed, Todd’s strength lies in her aggressive net play and ability to dictate the pace of a match. With a DUPR of 5.953 in doubles (#15) and a career total of eight medals, including one gold in doubles, Todd has already established herself as a key player to watch.

Her partnership with Quang Duong has added a new dynamic to both of their games. While Todd brings intensity and aggression to the court, Duong’s composed and tactical style offers balance. Together, they’ve formed a team capable of taking down even the toughest opponents, as demonstrated by their dominant win over Brandon Hoviener and Lindsey Newman.

What’s Next for Quang Duong and Paris Todd?

The pairing of Quang Duong and Paris Todd continues to show incredible promise, blending their unique strengths into a powerful doubles team. Their complementary styles—Todd’s relentless energy and Duong’s calculated precision—make them a force to be reckoned with in mixed doubles. With this victory over Hoviener and Newman, they’ve solidified themselves as a duo to watch in upcoming PPA Tour events.

However, Quang’s paddle switch raises questions about his future equipment choices. Will he stick with Selkirk, the brand that’s helped define his rise, or is this the start of something new? The Proton paddle proved effective in this match, but whether this was a one-off experiment or a sign of a larger shift remains to be seen.

For now, one thing is clear: Quang and Paris are making waves in pickleball, and moments like these are what keep the sport exciting.

Selkirk vs. Proton: Paddle Comparison

This match put the spotlight on two of the top paddles in the game:

Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Epic

• Price: $250-300
• Strengths: Known for its precision and control, this paddle is built for players like Quang who rely on calculated shot placement.
• Durability: Highly reliable for extended use in high-stakes matches.

Proton Paddle

• Price: $280
• Strengths: Designed for spin and power, it’s ideal for fast-paced rallies and aggressive play styles—perhaps why Quang turned to it mid-match.
• Reputation: A rising competitor in the paddle market, with increasing appeal among professionals.

The switch from Selkirk to Proton highlights the importance of matching a player’s equipment to their immediate needs. It’s a reminder that even at the pro level, adaptability can make all the difference.

Love Pickleball? Check Out 11 PICKLES

At 11 Pickles, we’re here for all the drama, strategy, and excitement of pickleball—whether it’s a mid-game paddle switch or tips to up your own game. If you’re just starting or looking to improve, check out some of our guides:

• Pickleball Kitchen Rules: What You Need to Know
• How to Get a DUPR Rating
• How to Keep the Ball Low in Pickleball
• Pickleball at Home: How to Practice Anywhere

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Quang Dong and Paris Todd are proof that pickleball is full of surprises. Stick with us at 11 PICKLES for more stories, tips, and everything you need to celebrate the fastest-growing sport in the world.

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