Seven Basingstoke Pickleball players competed in the Sketchers Pickleball 2023 English Nationals held at Bolton Arena last weekend.
Basingstoke Pickleball Club players, who play at Totally Tennis, came home with an impressive medal haul that included five golds, a silver and a bronze. Maisie Wise won golds in the 4.0 Mixed Doubles with partner Luke Whitfield and the Women’s Doubles with Michelle Wright. Harry Feast also netted double golds with wins in the 4.0 18+ Singles and Men Without Partners events. Daryl Blair (pictured centre wearing black) won gold in the 3.0 50+ Men’s Doubles with partner Mark Titchner.
Pickleball coordinator Jill Gibson (pictured far left in photo below) won silver in the 3.5 50+ Gender Doubles with partner Claire Bourgoin and Blair (pictured far right) won bronze with his partner Katrina Stevens in the 3.0 50+ Mixed Doubles category. Other Basingstoke players who completed at the three-day event were Graham Reeves and Lewis & Graham Oke.
Jill said of the event, “Fab event, well organised and a fun experience. Great to watch the pro’s play too. Everyone is so very friendly and supportive in Pickleball.”
Pickleball England, who hold the annual competition, reported that over 680 players registered to play (50% more than 2022) in the competition across different age groups and abilities. The event included a Major League Pickleball – Team Event and a wheelchair competition. Bolton Arena was transformed to accommodate 24 Pickleball courts including a championship court. Along with title sponsor Sketchers Pickleball other companies involved in sponsorship were Franklin Pickleball (official ball sponsor), Scan Computers and UK Pickleball Shop. Find out more about Pickleball England HERE
Find out more about playing at Basingstoke Pickleball Club, who meet at Totally Tennis every Monday evening 7.30pm – 9.30pm and Saturday afternoon 2pm – 4pm, by clicking HERE. Pickleball courts are also available to hire.
Totally Tennis 