BLACKwater Team Cup Pickleball Showdown: The BLACKwater Team Cup wrapped up with a thrilling win for team Interesting Things after three days of competitive pickleball in the Cayman Islands from June 13 to 15. The event brought together 16 top international professionals and local players, ending in an exciting championship match full of surprises.
Strong Start and Local Support
The tournament, led by Megan Fudge, the world’s top female player on the Association of Pickleball Professionals tour, began with a pro-am event. Max Manthou, known as “Purple Jesus,” and local star Harry Fenn won against Pickleball Cayman coach Michael Carse and top Cayman player Mark Rawlins.
Though Carse and Rawlins were down 14-2, they fought back with eight straight points, narrowing the gap to 14-10 before Manthou and Fenn secured the win.
Teams Formed at Local Venue
Later that evening, four teams were selected in a draft at The Roost. The teams were BLACKwater, Total Health, Quality Law, and Interesting Things. Each team had two male and two female pros, with local captains leading the draft process.
Round-Robin Results
Saturday’s round-robin matches were held at Pickleball Cayman. Total Health came out strong, winning all three of their matches. Quality Law finished second, followed by Interesting Things and BLACKwater.
Playoffs and Unexpected Comeback
On Sunday, the playoffs saw Total Health beat BLACKwater and Interesting Things upset Quality Law to set up the final. Total Health started strong, winning the men’s doubles and taking the lead in the women’s doubles at 19-16.
However, Bobbi Oshiro and Susannah Barr of Interesting Things pushed back, tying the match at one game each. Andre Mick and Bobbi Oshiro then came from behind to win the first mixed doubles match.
In the last match, Total Health held a 20-18 lead and needed just one more point to force a tiebreak. But team Interesting Things fought off every game point and won 27-25, securing a 3-1 team victory and the tournament title.
Player Experience and What’s Next
Jerry Beck, a coach at Cayman Pickleball, said the professional players enjoyed their experience on the island, sharing highlights on social media.
The next major event is the Total Health Cayman Open, scheduled for December 4 to 7. Jerry Beck said organizers are excited to welcome many of the pros back for that event.
News in Brief: BLACKwater Team Cup Pickleball Showdown
Team Interesting Things won the BLACKwater Team Cup with a 3-1 victory over Total Health in a thrilling final. The tournament, led by Megan Fudge, featured top professionals and local stars. The next major event in the Cayman Islands is the Total Health Cayman Open in December 2025.
ALSO READ: Rain or Shine, Community Rallies for Friendly Kitchen at Packed Pickleball Charity Tournament