The Rocq Capital Island Padel Championships are due to be held at the Guernsey Padel Club at Longcamps on 29th and 30th May.
After the success of last year’s inaugural event, large entries are expected as the sport continues to thrive on the island.
The Island Championships are a chance for local players to compete against each other in a competitive situation, but with all matches played in good spirits. There are five entry categories available – Men’s Doubles, Ladies’ Doubles, Mixed Doubles and Men’s and Ladies’ Vets (over 45). Last year’s event saw over 85 individuals enter the event and this year the numbers are expected to be even higher.
The Tournament will be held over the weekend of 29th – 30th May. Players wishing to participate in the tournament can sign up by contacting the Club, with entries closing on 22nd May. Spectators are welcome to come down and watch some of the best local players in action over the weekend.
What is padel tennis?
Padel Tennis is the fastest growing sport in the World and the trend is reflected in Guernsey. Since the Club was opened by Henri Leconte in 2018, more and more players have been taking up the sport.
Padel combines elements of tennis and squash to create a fun and quick paced game that is easy to play and suitable for all ages and abilities. Currently the Club’s indoor courts are operating at over 95% capacity at weekends and evenings, with the number of players participating in the sport increasing every month.
Planning permission has been granted to add a canopy to the third court at the centre which will be in place before the winter and an application is currently under consideration to build two further courts. If granted, this will make the Guernsey Padel Club the largest club in the UK alongside Stratford Padel Club who also have five courts.
Guernsey Padel Club Director Gary Naftel said, “We are all looking forward to this year’s Island Championships, there is already a buzz around the club about the event and it is great to see so many more players having the confidence to enter the tournament this year.”
Stuart Perfitt, Managing Director of Rocq Capital said “Rocq Capital are delighted to be able to support the Island Padel Championships for the second year. The sport is growing rapidly locally and we are keen to build on the success of last year’s event. We anticipate a number entry, strong competition in all categories and a great weekend. We encourage islanders to come down and take a look to see why padel is such a booming sport.”
For further information please visit the Guernsey Padel Club website here.
2020 Island Championships Results
- Men’s Doubles – Jon Young & Rob West def Patrick Ogier & Lance Plunkett 6-3, 3-6, 7-5
- Ladies’ Doubles – Lauren Barker & Helen Bonner-Morgan def Susi Glegg & Helen Polli 6-1,6-3
- Mixed Doubles – Patrick Ogier & Sara Woolland def Dominic Woolland & Lauren Barker 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (1)
- Men’s Vets – Chris Gill & Phil Radford def Lester Boscher & Tony Woodland 6-2, 6-3
- Ladies’ Vets – Gail James & Di Shaw def Jenni Strobridge & Sara Woolland 6-2, 6-0
