Christina Chin and Ernesto Fajardo captured top honors at the first-ever Jamaica International Pickleball Open, held on September 13–14, 2025, at the Pickle Chill facility in Kingston, Jamaica. The tournament, powered by JOOLA and co-hosted by Island Athletic Co. and the Tourism Enhancement Fund, was Jamaica’s first government-approved pickleball event and one of the largest ever staged in the Caribbean.
Historic Event for Jamaica
The tournament drew professional and high-level players from around the world, creating an electric atmosphere. Fans and athletes witnessed world-class pickleball and cheered as local players competed alongside international stars.
“As a global leader in the game, JOOLA is committed to growing pickleball at every level. The enthusiasm, pride, and skill we’ve witnessed in Jamaica mark another step toward our goal of expanding the sport so it can thrive in every country around the world,”
said Richard Lee, CEO and Owner of JOOLA.
Island Athletic Co. Director Aman Chatani highlighted the significance of the partnership.
“This partnership between JOOLA, Island Athletic Co. and the Tourism Enhancement Fund is a massive step towards putting Jamaica and the Caribbean on the map as one of the hubs for global pickleball, We are really excited to see what the future holds for us and can’t wait for the next tournament.”(Aman Chatani)
Champions Shine on the Court
Christina Chin claimed gold in Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. Ernesto Fajardo earned gold in Men’s Singles and teamed up with Christina Chin to win Mixed Doubles. Spectators were thrilled by their skill and determination throughout the weekend.
Full Tournament Results
Men’s Singles Open
1st: Ernesto Fajardo
2nd: Armando Ferreira
3rd: Django Chassang
Women’s Singles Open
1st: Christina Chin
2nd: Kayla Teape
3rd: Savannah Chung
Men’s Doubles Class A
1st: Gavin Manders/Benjamin Jones
2nd: Ernesto Fajardo/Kobi Stiebel
3rd: Brandon Tom/Django Chassang
Men’s Doubles Class B
1st: Maung Khant/Zeyar Min
2nd: Kyle Gregg/Jacob Rousseau
3rd: Stephen Shirley/James Sampson
Women’s Doubles
1st: Christina Chin/Joanna Marzouca
2nd: Savannah Chung/Kayla Teape
3rd: Haley Foreman/Savannah Hussey
Men’s 40+ Singles
1st: Dwayne Pagon
2nd: Peter Azar
3rd: Stephen Shirley
Men’s 50+ Doubles
1st: Kenneth Teape/Warren Burrowes
2nd: Marc Orelue/Paul Leow
3rd: David Shirley/Paul Matthews
Mixed Doubles
1st: Ernesto Fajardo/Christina Chin
2nd: Joel Azar/Savannah Chung
3rd: Aman Chatani/Kayla Teape
A Celebration of Sport and Culture
The event mixed top-level competition with Jamaican culture. Caribbean music from local DJs and drinks from sponsors kept the crowd energized. Players and guests even visited the famous Dub Club reggae spot to celebrate. Organizers said the unique blend of sport and culture helped make the tournament a major success.
Growing Pickleball in the Caribbean
The Jamaica International Pickleball Open marked a major step in expanding the sport across the region. By bringing together international talent and local athletes, the event showcased Jamaica as an emerging hub for global pickleball. Organizers hope future tournaments will continue to grow interest and participation in the sport.
News in Brief: Christina Chin and Ernesto Fajardo
Christina Chin and Ernesto Fajardo won multiple gold medals at the first Jamaica International Pickleball Open in Kingston on September 13–14, 2025. The JOOLA-powered event, co-hosted by Island Athletic Co. and the Tourism Enhancement Fund, drew global players and marked a major milestone for Caribbean pickleball growth.