Anna Bright Agrees to 'Humble' The Dink’s Thomas Shields in Singles Match After Trash Talk Escalates

"We’re doing it, I’m bored and humbling men is my favorite pastime." – World #2 women's pickleball player Anna Bright.

It all started with a simple chirp months back from PPA Tour CEO Connor Pardoe calling out The Dink founder's DUPR rating.

Is Thomas Shields a 5.0 or not? Well, it depends on who you ask and what day of the week it is. But by the letter of the law, he's currently hovering somewhere around a 4.6.

Make no mistake, Thomas was pretty legit in a former life. He's even got a few PPA wins against some pros you'd definitely recognize. But he hung up the paddle in pursuit of other goals. It's been a minute since he hit the court with something on the line.

Well, for reasons unknown, Thomas woke up a couple days ago and chose controversy.

He put a simple tweet out. And wouldn't you know? The people have opinions; soon enough, Thomas was catching strays from around the internet.

World #2 women's player Anna Bright even joined the fray, offering this jab from the top rope:

This, apparently, is where Thomas draws the line.

A challenge was proposed, Thomas to Anna:

Play me in singles, best of 3, stakes can be whatever you want

We can do it at our Miami stop of the courted series on Dec 13, just a quick trip down I-95...

And Anna accepted: "We’re doing it, I’m bored & humbling men is my favorite pastime."

That brings us the present day. Where, hilariously, we've somehow arrived at this:

At The Dink's final Courted event stop of the year in Miami on December 13, Thomas and Anna will face off in a best of three singles match.

The hottest pickleball social mixer is coming to Miami

After packed houses in New York City and Chicago, the Courted series is heading south for its next stop. Miami, you’re up.

The Dink PickleballLuke Burton

At stake? Thomas' pride. And definitely his DUPR rating.

We're not sure Anna will be sweating this one much. In the meantime, check out her fantastic email newsletter and brand-new YouTube channel.

Let the trash talk begin.

Want to watch in person? Courted Miami tickets are on sale now.