Bermuda's Pickleball Dreams Face Hurdles: Can Manders Lead Team to Victory?
Gavin Manders has been named captain of Bermuda's pickleball team for the inaugural Caribbean Pickleball Championships in the Cayman Islands, set to take place from February 6 to 9. Manders, who is also the Pickleball Association Bermuda national director, is expected to play a mentoring role for the team. The team includes Benjamin Jones, Imani Phillips, Sasha Fisher, Johnie Singleton, and Mical Russell. The Bermudian athletes will compete in individual and team events against other Caribbean nations, including Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Puerto Rico, and the host nation.
Despite aiming for a podium finish, the team has faced challenges during the selection process. Travel logistics and work commitments have made it difficult for some players to participate, with the absence of direct flights between Bermuda and Miami causing logistical issues. "We had a lot of people with work commitments that couldn't get that amount of time off from work," Manders said. This has also impacted the potential for a seniors team to be formed. The selection process for the team included consideration of international competition experience, Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating, local sanctioned events, and national ranking.
Despite these challenges, the team is determined to succeed, viewing the tournament as a performance indicator for their long-term athletic plan. Manders believes that from a developmental standpoint, Bermuda is ahead of most Caribbean countries, though he acknowledges that some countries have athletes with richer racket sports backgrounds. The team’s ultimate goal is to win the tournament, but securing a medal would be a significant step for the small island. The tournament also presents an opportunity for Bermuda to renew their rivalry with the Cayman Islands, after their previous match at the World Cup. The Cayman Islands are hosting the tournament because they have the best facility in the region, with 22 courts including 11 covered ones.
Okay, here's a 300-word news article with a clickbait headline, focusing on Jack Sock's achievements at the PPA Tour The Masters in Palm Springs:
Sock's Pickleball Takeover! Tennis Star Sweeps Opening Day at PPA Masters
Former tennis pro Jack Sock is making a huge splash in the pickleball world, demonstrating his athletic prowess by going undefeated on the opening day of the 2025 PPA Masters in Palm Springs, California. Competing in all three eligible brackets, Sock's performance has turned heads and made him an instant favorite in the tournament.
Seeded No. 9 in singles, Sock dominated Connor McCartney, with a quick 11-3, 11-2 victory in just 22 minutes. His second match of the day was also a swift win, as he teamed up with former Wimbledon finalist Genie Bouchard in mixed doubles, easily defeating their 45th-seeded opponents Camila Zilveti and Patrick Smith. They move on to face 13th seeds AJ Koller and Meghan Dizon in the round of 32.
In men’s doubles, Sock partnered with Collin Shick. Seeded No. 20, the pair fought hard against Wil Shaffer and Jace Morris to secure a close 11-4, 11-8 victory. They are now set to face Donald Young and Travis Rettenmaier in the round of 32. Notably, Rettenmaier also has a background in professional tennis, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming match.
Sock's impressive start to the 2025 PPA season marks him as a significant player to watch. His successful transition from tennis to pickleball underscores the growing trend of professional athletes from other racket sports joining the rapidly growing sport. The PPA Masters in Palm Springs features the best pickleball players competing in men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. With such a powerful start, Sock is making a bold statement about his intentions to dominate the pickleball circuit.
Pickleball Mania Explodes in Australia: From Obscurity to Australian Open Spotlight!
Pickleball is experiencing a meteoric rise in Australia, with participation numbers now exceeding those of established sports like rugby union, baseball, and billiards. This surge in popularity has culminated in the sport's debut at the Australian Open, a move aimed at attracting new fans and solidifying pickleball's place in the Australian sporting landscape. The Australian Open will host a three-day "pickleball slam" beginning on January 24th, marking a significant milestone for the sport.
Pickleball Association Australia reports that its membership has roughly doubled annually in recent years, reaching 16,000 registered players. This rapid growth has led to calls for increased funding and official recognition from the Australian Sports Commission. Players are lobbying for government support to address court shortages and implement integrity measures for the burgeoning elite competitions. The sport's appeal spans a wide range of ages and abilities, attracting former athletes from various racket sports, as well as newcomers.
Among the rising stars is former table tennis player Danni-Elle Townsend, who has found financial success as a full-time pickleball player. Townsend, who was part of the Australian table tennis team until last year, is now the top-ranked Australian female mixed doubles player and participates in leagues such as the National Pickleball League (NPL) and the Pickleball World Rankings Indian league, where she says she is earning a comfortable living. Her story highlights the growing professional opportunities within the sport and demonstrates how athletes can transition from other sports to find success in pickleball.
With its increased popularity, the inclusion of pickleball in the Australian Open is a clear indication that it is more than just a passing fad, and is poised to become a major force in Australian sports.
Pickleball Goes Global! Samantha Ruth Prabhu's Bold Move Shakes Up World Pickleball League
The World Pickleball League (WPBL) is making waves with its inaugural season, and a major highlight is the entry of the Chennai Super Champs, owned by Indian actor and entrepreneur Samantha Ruth Prabhu. This marks her as the first-ever franchise owner to invest in the WPBL, showcasing her passion for the sport and her city. The Chennai Super Champs are not just another team, they represent a significant leap for pickleball into the global arena.
The Chennai Super Champs boast a star-studded lineup, combining international talent with Indian players, promising a thrilling debut season. Led by renowned pickleball coach Joey Farias, the team includes Sonu Kumar Vishwakarma (India), Maria Klokotzy (Canada), Edward Perez (USA), Sarah Jane Lim (The Philippines), Etienne Blaszkewycz (Canada), Tanner Tomassi (USA), Thaddea Lock (The UK), and Tyra Calderwood (Australia). This diverse roster highlights the sport's growing global appeal and inclusivity.
The WPBL, featuring six competitive teams, is set to kick off its inaugural season in Mumbai from January 24 to February 2, 2025. Pickleball, a sport that blends elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, has been experiencing a rapid surge in global popularity. The sport is attracting players and enthusiasts across all age groups and skill levels. Samantha Ruth Prabhu's investment in the Chennai Super Champs is expected to further propel the sport's growth, especially in India. With a dynamic lineup and strong leadership, the team aims to set the stage for an exciting introduction to pickleball in India and beyond. This move could mark a turning point for pickleball, transforming it from a niche sport to a global phenomenon.
Pickleball Craze Hits Ulverston! Leisure Centre Joins the Nation-Wide Sensation
Ulverston Leisure Centre is set to become the latest hotspot for pickleball in the UK, announcing new sessions starting later this month. Citing the sport's rapid growth, the leisure center will now offer opportunities for locals to try their hand at pickleball, joining the wave of popularity sweeping the nation. The new sessions, commencing the week of January 27th, will be held on Wednesdays from 2 pm to 9 pm, Fridays from 10 am to 2 pm, and Saturdays from 9 am to 3 pm.
Pickleball, which originated in the United States in the 1960s, is a hybrid sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. Played indoors on a badminton court with paddles and a plastic, hollow ball, it has recently surged in popularity throughout the UK as a fun and accessible way to stay active. The sport's appeal lies in its relatively low impact and easy learning curve, making it attractive to a wide range of ages and skill levels.
The introduction of pickleball at Ulverston Leisure Centre follows the trend of increasing popularity in the south Cumbria region. A new club was launched at the start of last year, and it became so popular that a second group was quickly established to meet demand. The leisure center's decision to host sessions underscores the sport's expanding reach and its potential to become a staple in local communities. As pickleball continues to gain traction, centers like Ulverston are key in providing accessibility to the sport. With these new sessions, Ulverston residents now have a chance to participate in what's being called the "fastest growing sport in the UK".