Pickleball
Pickleball lands in Spain with Malaga hosting inaugural Pro Tour event
Over 300 players from 14 countries competed in the Malaga Spanish Open, which attracted big crowds despite the sweltering heat
Nacho Carmona
The Pickle Pro Tour concluded its inaugural event this weekend in Malaga city, drawing 300 competitors from 14 nations in what organisers hailed as a historic step for pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in Spain.
The fast-paced racquet sport, which combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, is played on a smaller court with a perforated plastic ball and paddles.
Matches for the Malaga Spanish Open were played across two venues: early rounds on Thursday and Friday took place at the skating rink by the MartĆn Carpena complex, while semi-finals and finals, including the premier 5.0 category, were held at El Corte InglĆ©s on Avenida de AndalucĆa.
The standout title of the mixed doubles was claimed by Catalan Pep Canyadell and Spanish-American Glauka Carvajal, who defeated Sabrina MĆ©ndez and Italyās Eleana Rodino in straight sets.
Canyadell also triumphed in the menās singles final, beating Ćlvaro Dóyega 2ā0. RocĆo Cardo, meanwhile, lifted the womenās singles title after a comeback win over Paula Levinsky.
In the menās doubles, David Illescas and JesĆŗs GarcĆa caused an upset by overcoming favourites Canyadell and Ignasi de Rueda 2ā1. Carvajal also secured the womenās doubles crown with MĆ©ndez, cruising to a 2ā0 win.
Strong response
Spectator response was strong, with public seating beside El Corte InglƩs attracting passing crowds throughout the weekend. Entry was free, and while high temperatures were expected, they did little to dampen enthusiasm.
Local sports councillor Borja Vivas attended, alongside figures such as Spanish Tennis Federation president Miguel DĆaz.
National pickleball coach Esteban RamĆrez confirmed he will publish a provisional squad list this week ahead of a training camp in Madrid.