Ely now boasts a new national champion as Neil Weir and his doubles partner John Guest won gold at the English National Pickleball Doubles in the 60+ division.
The pair triumphed at Bolton Arena, marking a significant achievement in the rapidly growing sport of pickleball.
Pickleball, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is played with a small plastic ball with holes.
The sport has gained popularity worldwide and is eyeing future Olympic inclusion.
Mr Weir, a regular player at the Ely & District u3a, has been a keen member since the interest group started in January 2023.
He entered the competition solo, but was later approached by Mr Guest, also a singles competitor, via email to form a partnership.
Their initial aim was to progress through the qualifiers in their first contest.
However, they exceeded expectations by winning the final, which was the best of three games, with a tense 11-9 victory.
Mr Weir’s strategy of taking it "one game at a time" paid off, and he continues to be a regular and formidable opponent in Ely and Waterbeach.
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