Wales Shine at the Inaugural Welsh Open

From the courts of Cardiff Met University the Welsh Pickleball community made an unforgettable mark at the first ever Welsh Open.

Hot on the heels of the vibrant 3-day Welsh Pickleball Festival in North Wales, our members didn’t just show up, they showed out.

Dedication beyond the game just four days after helping run a festival packed with energy, players and volunteers rallied once again.

Whether they were organising, officiating, cheering, or competing, their commitment to growing Welsh pickleball was on full display. Even those who couldn’t attend in person were there in spirit, flooding the team with messages of support and celebration.

Sportsmanship that inspires across every category, players embodied the spirit of the game – grit, grace, and good vibes.

Win or lose, they applauded their opponents, offered heartfelt congratulations, and forged new friendships with players from across the UK. That kind of integrity is what makes our club so special

The results? Nothing short of spectacular.

After 4 days and multiple rounds of blood, sweat, blisters, and joyful tears, our players brought home a treasure trove of medals:

Anglesey & North Wales

🏆 7 Golds

Nikki Day, Sian Burgess, Peter Hope & Paul Semple – 50+ 3.5 Team Event

Andy Stuart – 35+ 3.5 Singles

Leigh Ryder – 35+ 4.0+ Mixed Doubles

Susan Evans– 50+ 3.5 Singles

🥈 7 Silvers

Nikki Day & Sian Burgess – 50+ 3.5 Ladies Doubles

Non Roberts-Smith & Emily Williams – 18+ 3.0 Team Event

Faye Harwood & Emily Williams – 18+ 3.0 Ladies Doubles

Non Roberts-Smith – 35+ 3.0 Mixed Doubles

🥉 3 Bronzes

Sue Jones – 60+ 4.0+ Ladies Doubles

Alun “AT” Jones – 60+ 3.5 Men’s Doubles

Sue Jones – 60+ 3.5+ Singles

South Wales Area

🏆 12 Golds

Scott Mayo – Team Event 4.0+Scott Mayo – Mixed Open Doubles

Nathan Parker – Team Event 4.0+

Lucie Young – 60+ 3.5 Ladies Doubles

Lucie Young – 60+ 3.5 Mixed Doubles

Jocelyn Haynes – 60+ 3.5 Ladies Doubles

Mark Johnson – 60+ 4.0+ Mens Doubles

Mark Johnson – 60+ 4.0+ Mixed Doubles

Leigh Davies – 35+ 3.0 Mens Singles

Nicole Dowel – 18+ 3.0 Ladies Doubles

Kayse Underwood – 18+ 3.0 Ladies Doubles

Mike Evans – 18+ 3.0 Mens Singles

🥈16 Silvers

Scott Mayo – Mens Open Singles

Scott Mayo – Mens Open Doubles

Lucie Young – 50+ 3.5 Team Event

Joceyln Haynes – 50+ 3.5 Team Event

Gray Barclay – 50+ 3.5 Team Event

Rob Greenland – 50+ 3.5 Team Event

Andy Elliott – 60+ 4.0+ Mens Doubles

Andy Unwin – 60+ 4.0+ Mens Doubles

Andy Unwin – 60+ 4.0+ Mixed Doubles

Richard Welsford – 60+ 3.5 Mens Doubles

John Killick – 60+ 3.5 Mens DoublesHelen Carey – 50+ 3.0 Ladies Doubles

Emma Jones – 50+ 3.0 Ladies Doubles

Gareth Williams – 35+ 3.0 Mens Singles

Gregg Fortey – 35+ 3.0 Mens Doubles

Neil Cobley – 35+ 3.0 Mens Doubles

🥉13 Bronzes

Steve Andrews – 60+ 3.0 Mens Doubles

Kris Rogers – 35+ 3.0 Mens Doubles

Gareth Wilsher – 35+ 3.0 Mens Doubles

Matt Hazelhurst – 18+ 4.0 Team Event

Sophie Burton – 18+ 4.0 Team Event

Mike Rapley – 18+ 4.0 Team Event

Angelina Sanderson Bellamy – 18+ 4.0 Team Event

Tim Carslake – 18+ 3.0 Mens Singles

Paul Evans – 50+ 3.0 Mens Singles

Huw Morris – 50+ 3.0 Team Event

Gwenda Morris – 50+ 3.0 Team Event

Angus McDonalds – 50+ 3.0 Team Event

Tracey Jones – 50+ 3.0 Team Event

To every player, volunteer & supporter, Thank you. Whether you were on the court or cheering from afar, this success belongs to all of us.

Your energy, encouragement, and passion are what make Wales a force to be reckoned with!

Thinking of joining or even competing at these grand slam events, now’s the time. If you’ve ever considered stepping onto the court or entering a tournament, let this be your sign.

The camaraderie, competition, and sheer joy of events like the Welsh Open are unmatched.

And if you’re new to pickleball, there’s never been a better time to join our growing community.

Let’s keep the momentum going—see you at the next event!