Gavin Manders and Benjamin Jones Pickleball Victory: Bermudian players Gavin Manders and Benjamin Jones won the men’s doubles title at the Jamaica International Pickleball Open in Kingston on Sunday, September 14, 2025. The victory helped them prepare for the upcoming Pickleball World Cup at the end of next month.
Doubles Final and Match Performance
Manders and Jones defeated Canadian Ernesto Fajardo and Jamaican Kobi Stiebel 11-7, 11-4 at Pickle & Chill. Manders also reached the men’s singles semi-finals and mixed doubles quarter-finals.
“From my perspective, our mission for going to Jamaica was accomplished,” said Gavin Manders, a former Davis Cup player. “This is preparation for the World Cup. It’s also part of our competitive structure and long-term athletic development playing in regional events.”
Manders described playing at Pickle & Chill as special. “Having played before at Pickle & Chill, it feels like home when I play there. I’ve big support, crowds that come out to watch me really appreciate the level and the passion I show on the court,” he said.
Team Chemistry and Strategy
For Benjamin Jones, a final-year student at Bentley University, the tournament was his first time competing in Jamaica. He highlighted the team’s strong partnership.
“It was my first time competing in Jamaica and the facility there was great,” Jones said. “Out of the teams that played, we had the most chemistry because we’ve played the most together. Since we understand each other’s playing styles, I think that really worked for us.”
Jones added, “I’m more of a defensive player by nature and I like to orchestrate points. Gavin is more of the aggressive player, who picks our opportunities. Our opponents were a tricky pair, but because Kobi was a bit weaker than Ernesto, we were able to pick mostly on him. We stayed consistent enough to beat them without keeping Ernesto invested in the play.”
Challenges and Dedication
Manders chose to forgo his third-place singles play-off to focus on the doubles final after playing 12 matches over two days.
“Losing in the singles semi-finals was tough,” Manders said. “But I lost to a professional, an 11-times champion from Canada. I had to put the ego aside and forfeit my bronze medal singles match. It was a matter of putting Benjamin and Bermuda first.”
He added, “Having the crowd supporting us gave us the energy to perform at our best. It was a phenomenal win for us to bring home the gold. At my age, you don’t take these things for granted because you don’t know how many more years you have left playing at this level.”
Significance of the Win
The men’s doubles victory strengthens Manders and Jones’ momentum heading into the Pickleball World Cup. Their teamwork, preparation, and experience in regional competitions contribute to their long-term competitive development.
News in Brief: Gavin Manders and Benjamin Jones Pickleball Victory
Gavin Manders and Benjamin Jones of Bermuda won the men’s doubles at the Jamaica International Pickleball Open in Kingston on September 14, 2025. They defeated Ernesto Fajardo of Canada and Kobi Stiebel of Jamaica 11-7, 11-4. Manders also reached singles semi-finals and mixed doubles quarter-finals. The win prepares them for the Pickleball World Cup.