Last weekend saw British players claim wins across the board as the LTA Padel Tennis Tour came to North Ayrshire.
The West of Scotland Padel club, based in Stevenston Industrial Estate, was praised for its high standards by competitors from all around the British Isles, and as far as Spain.
The club also arranged for a live stream of all the matches, which were broadcast on their YouTube channel.
There was British success in the men’s and women’s competitions, with Louie Harris lifting the title in the men’s and Karen Crawford succeeding in the women’s.
The competition in Scotland was the second of six LTA Grade 1 events to take place as part of the British Tour, which encompasses the top padel competitions in the UK.
Grade 1 events see the very best British players and international competitors competing in standout events, across full weekends, for prize money.
In the men’s draw of 16, the final saw the second seeds Harris and Spanish partner Rafael Vega Otaolaurruchi defeat the British fourth seeds, Nicholas Hatchett and Sam Macneil in an exciting match that finished 63 63.
After winning his first LTA Grade 1 event of 2024, Harris said, “I had a fantastic time playing in Scotland alongside Rafa, winning my first tournament of the year competing against some great players. Thank you to West of Scotland Padel and the LTA for putting on such a great event. I look forward to returning soon.”
Playing their first tournament together, Crawford and American partner Daniela Bellini impressively overcame the top seeds in the final 64 62 rounding off a memorable competition failing to drop a set all weekend.
Reflecting on the win the team Crawford said, “It was a fabulous day of challenging matches as we'd never played a Grade 1 before and didn't know what to expect with the standard. Daniela had never played a competitive padel tournament before and we only met this morning, but we hit it off straight away!
"We've never been to West of Scotland Padel before, it's a great club that's excellently organised and was lovely to see faces that we've only met socially before.”
West Kilbride's Maureen Baird, tournament organiser and director, said: "What a fantastic weekend of unbelievable padel from incredibly talented players from all over the country (and beyond). We are so proud to have hosted this LTA event at the highest of levels in our club in Stevenston.
"Having so many people come along and support these fabulous players gave the club a real buzz and you could see the players really appreciated the support.
"A huge well done to all the players, runners up and winners. We look forward to you gracing our courts again.”
Padel is one of the fastest growing sports and is an innovative form of tennis that’s fun, easy to learn and extremely sociable. The sport is played on an enclosed court that is about a third of the size of a tennis court. All ages and abilities can play together.
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