Judit Castillo Shocks Top Seed: Judit Castillo emerged victorious in the Women’s Open Singles event at the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) tournament in the Cayman Islands this past weekend. The event, held at the newly opened Pickleball Cayman facility in George Town, featured over 240 players competing in a test-run pro stop.
Castillo defeated No. 1 seed Yana Newell in the final to take home the gold medal. Newell reached the final after overcoming teenage rising star Schull in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Texas-based professional Nicole Pitts battled through the back draw to secure the bronze medal in an impressive comeback performance.
APP Expands to the Caribbean
The APP brought its tour to the Cayman Islands to test the potential for a future professional stop. The 24-court Pickleball Cayman venue, just outside George Town, provided a top-tier setting for the competition. Although no official APP ranking points were awarded, players competed for prize money and the opportunity to showcase their skills in a growing pickleball destination.
With the recent cancellation of PWR commitments, several top APP touring professionals seized the chance for a weekend of both competition and leisure on Grand Cayman Island. The event’s strong participation, with over 240 players in the draw, underscored the sport’s increasing appeal in resort communities.
Women’s Open Singles Action
Castillo’s path to gold was highlighted by a strong performance against Newell in the final. Newell, who entered as the top seed, had earlier dispatched Schull in the semifinals. However, Castillo delivered a dominant effort to claim the title.
Pitts made a remarkable run through the back draw to secure the bronze medal. Her resilience and skill were on full display as she battled back after an early loss, proving her ability to compete at a high level.
Impact and Future Prospects
The successful event signals potential for future professional tournaments in the Cayman Islands. With a world-class venue and a strong player turnout, the APP may consider making this a permanent stop on its calendar.
Pickleball’s continued growth in resort destinations like the Cayman Islands reflects its increasing popularity worldwide. As the sport expands, more international events could be on the horizon, bringing greater opportunities for players and fans alike.
News in Brief: Judit Castillo Shocks Top Seed
Judit Castillo won gold at the APP Cayman Islands tournament, defeating top seed Yana Newell in the Women’s Open Singles final. Nicole Pitts secured bronze with a strong back-draw performance. The event, held at the new Pickleball Cayman facility, attracted over 240 players and highlighted pickleball’s expansion into resort communities.
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