After two years of development and growing the game locally, Lakes Entrance Tennis Club put on its first pickleball tournament last Friday, January 3, immediately on the back of the club’s highly successful tennis tournament.
Thirty-eight players, ranging from local regular pickleballers to travellers from as far as Shepparton, Traralgon, Sale, Bairnsdale, Yamba and the Gold Coast took part in the tournament.
Organisers decided to use a random round robin draw, designed and put together by local regular player Shannon Murdoch for this first tournament. Each player played nine to 10 matches with a break in between for lunch.
“No player could complain about not getting enough pickleball,” organiser Mike Spruzen said.
“The weather played its part too, by having only a slight breeze for most of the day before becoming a little stronger in the afternoon.”
Winner of the men’s section was Rhys Smith from Traralgon with local Daryl Murdoch the runner-up. In the ladies’ section the winner was Leanne Rich from Yamba, with Christine Shingles from Sale the runner-up.
“All in all, a great day was had, with various players giving feedback on the day. The Lakes Entrance pickleballers will review the tournament and see how it looks moving forward into the next New Year’s tournament in 2026.” Mike said. He thanked all the players and sponsors for their support.
