The U.S. players who wanted to acclimate before
the Bainbridge Cup and German Open had a great
opportunity in Dublin—good competition, a beautiful
venue and Irish pubs.
From Dublin, many U.S. players flew to Dusseldorf
while the European players drove to Essen for the
Bainbridge Cup and German Open. Transitioning
from outdoor courts in Ireland to indoor carpeted
courts at TVN Zentrum was a challenge.
The first event was the Bainbridge Cup where Team
World included players from the U.S., Canada,
India, China and Singapore against players from a
combined Europe. Team World wore red and Team
Europe blue. Play began at 9 a.m. and continued
throughout the day with a running total posted in
the players’ lounge. Teams cheered for each other.
Europeans have soccer cheers that translate well on
the medal stand and during team events. For them,
the Bainbridge Cup is a holiday, a family event, a
sports outing and a leadership opportunity.
Even the Dublin housin
g was fun.
Germany’s Oliver Strecker outplayed everyone in
the MD and MXD and led the European charge.
Daniel Moore led Team World to a 197 to 177 victory.
As pickleball expands in Europe, the U.S. will need
to step up its efforts in 2020. Next year the Cup will
be held in Nottingham, England, with Karen Mitchell
as tournament director. Karen is a respected
organizer and knowledgeable pickleball leader.
Europeans have some concerns about Brexit and
not being able to travel as freely as EU countries do,
but many players are already making plans.
One of the interesting features about playing in
Europe is the opportunity to talk politics with
Europeans and better understand their views of
the U.S. and its role in world politics. Americans
also get the chance to learn about the challenges
that Europeans face with immigration and Brexit.
Pickleball is way more than just a wiffleball and net!
in Open were finding good places
The pickleball players at the Dubl
put pickleball courts!
to
The German Open was a separate event on
the weekend. There were 320 players from 22
countries. Matches were divided by age and skill.
The high quality of play included featured pro
matches as well as some exciting play at all levels.
The 28 courts were busy all three days. Flags flew,
spectators cheered, and the Europeans brought
energy to the medal presentation area as they
erupted into song. Young Europeans have a great
deal to give to pickleball!
Sunday’s mixed play concluded with a fun banquet
of wonderful food and special awards. IFP President
Pat Murphy announced several new initiatives
including an international ambassador program
led by Ron Ponder and a teaching program led by
Daniel Moore in Asia and Jon Moore in Europe.
Kathy Pierce, Bonnie and
Steve Sidwell at an anc
ient church in Ireland
built entirely of stone.
continued on page 56
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 |
MAGAZINE
55