Chris Almost Uses Non-Approved Paddle: In a surprising turn of events at a recent pickleball tournament, Chris, known for his involvement in the sport’s community, nearly found himself in a pickle when he almost used an unapproved paddle during a singles match.
Chris, who typically uses the Volir Forza M2 paddle, brought along a new Monarch model for testing purposes. Reflecting on the incident, he admitted, “I brought it just to mess around and get ahead on the review.” Despite not intending to use it in competitive play, Chris found himself drawn to its power during singles warm-ups.
As he approached the court, the referee, familiar with Chris’s reputation, casually asked about paddle approval. “I shouldn’t even ask you that,” the referee joked, assuming Chris would be well aware of his equipment’s compliance. It was then that Chris realized the Monarch paddle was not yet on the approved list. “I just remembered,” he confessed, avoiding a potential rule violation.
Discussing the paddle’s recent approval, Chris noted, “It didn’t make the list until just yesterday.” The referee’s prompt inquiry prevented Chris from accidentally using the paddle in competition.
Despite the near-mishap, Chris faced tough competition during singles play, particularly against a formidable opponent nicknamed ‘Super Pickle.’ Chris reflected on the match and said, “I lost 0-15.” Despite the defeat, Chris acknowledged the skill gap, recognizing his opponent’s superior ability in singles.
The tournament also saw an unexpected prevalence of Gearbox paddles among players, a rarity in local competitions. “They were everywhere,” Chris remarked, noting their popularity despite the typically hot conditions and challenging Franklin balls.
Amidst the day’s challenges, including distractions from a neighboring pro match, Chris found himself contemplating his future tournament strategies. “I might drop down to 4.5 singles,” he revealed, considering a recalibration of his competitive level following recent performances.
Reflecting on the experience, Chris remains optimistic about future tournaments while acknowledging the learning curve in competitive singles play. As he plans his next moves in the sport, Chris’s journey continues with a blend of determination and strategic adjustment.
News in Brief: Chris Almost Uses Non-Approved Paddle,
Chris, a prominent figure in pickleball, almost violated rules by nearly using an unapproved paddle during a recent tournament. Despite intending it for testing, he avoided a mishap after the referee reminded him of the paddle’s status. Chris faced tough competition, losing decisively but acknowledging his opponent’s skill. The tournament also highlighted Gearbox paddles’ unexpected popularity. Reflecting on the experience, Chris considers recalibrating his competitive level. Despite challenges and distractions, he remains optimistic about future tournaments, emphasizing a blend of determination and strategic planning in his pickleball journey.
Also Read: Fontainebleau Las Vegas’ First PPA Tour Pickleball Cup
