Columbus Sliders Dominate Day One of MLP San Diego

The first day of MLP San Diego saw the Columbus Sliders emerge as the frontrunners in Group B with a perfect 2-0 record. The SoCal Hard Eights follow closely behind, while the Orlando Squeeze and Phoenix Flames are tied for third. As teams prepare for Super Sunday, the competition heats up for standings points. Learn more about the innovative format of Major League Pickleball and how teams are competing for the championship.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 17, 2026, 14:33 IST

MLP San Diego Day One Recap

The opening day of the MLP San Diego concluded on Thursday, showcasing the Columbus Sliders at the top of Group B after a successful round of matches. The Sliders hold a flawless 2-0 record, placing them in first position. Following closely is the SoCal Hard Eights, who secured a victory in their sole match, bringing their record to 1-0.

In the standings, the Orlando Squeeze and the Phoenix Flames are tied for third and fourth place, each with a record of 1-1. Meanwhile, the Florida Smash sits in fifth place after starting the tournament with two losses, and the California Black Bears are in sixth with one match played and no wins.

No matches from Group A took place on Thursday. The top four teams from each group will advance to Super Sunday, where they will vie for points that contribute to their regular-season standings.

Points Distribution for Sunday Matches:

Group A No. 1 vs. Group B No. 1: Winner – 25 points, Loser – 18 points

Group A No. 2 vs. Group B No. 2: Winner – 15 points, Loser – 12 points

Group A No. 3 vs. Group B No. 3: Winner – 10 points, Loser – 8 points

Group A No. 4 vs. Group B No. 4: Winner – 6 points, Loser – 4 points

Fifth-place teams: 1 point each

Sixth-place teams: 0 points

Overview of Major League Pickleball (MLP)

Major League Pickleball (MLP) stands as the leading professional league for team-based pickleball, featuring 20 local teams and over 100 of the sport's top-ranked players. Teams engage in regular season events to earn standings points, all aiming for the league championship. The MLP employs the innovative MLPlay™ format, which includes co-ed team competitions featuring women’s doubles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles, blending individual talent with collaborative effort.

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