Bermudian pickleball players showcased skill and perseverance at the Humana APP Fort Lauderdale Open, competing in various age divisions. The event featured a mix of challenges and victories, with notable success in the mixed doubles UTR-P 4.0: 70+ division.
Challenges in Mixed Doubles 65+
In the mixed doubles UTR-P 4.0: 65+ group 2 category, Sue Chiappa and Michael J. Burns faced tough competition, finishing with a 0-3 record.
Despite determined efforts, they lost to opponents Victor Espinosa and Maria Ramos (15-2), Ron Schwenk and Patricia Astin (15-10), and Tinsley Dozier and Holly Hancock (15-6), placing 4th in their group.
Silver Medal Success in Mixed Doubles 70+
Bermuda found success in the mixed doubles UTR-P 4.0: 70+ division, with Danny and Sarah Fox securing a silver medal. The pair displayed grit throughout the tournament, finishing the round-robin stage with a 3-1 record.
They won over Scott and Linda Nicastro (16-14), Melissa and Arthur Vercillo (15-10), and Howard and Lynne Weisbart (15-1) but suffered a 15-11 loss to Debi Dorne and Norm Dickman.
The semi-finals saw the Fox duo avenge their earlier loss to Dorne and Dickman with a decisive 15-9 victory. In the final, they faced the Nicastros in a closely contested three-set match. Despite a strong start, the Foxes ultimately fell short, losing 2-11, 11-7, 11-1.
A Positive Step Forward
The tournament marked an important milestone for Bermudian pickleball players, showcasing their competitive edge on an international stage. While Chiappa and Burns faced challenges, the Foxes’ silver medal highlighted the potential for future success.
Bermuda’s representation at the event shows the island’s growing presence in the pickleball community and sets the stage for continued development and achievement in the sport.
News in Brief: Bermudian Pickleball Players
Bermudian players competed at the Fort Lauderdale Open, with Danny and Sarah Fox earning silver in the mixed doubles UTR-P 4.0: 70+ division. The Foxes excelled with a 3-1 round-robin record and a thrilling semi-finals win, but fell short in the final. Their success reflects Bermuda’s growing pickleball prominence.
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