NEWS FROM THE GLOBAL PICKLEBALL COMMUNITY
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Pickleball
NEWS FROM THE GLOBAL PICKLEBALL COMMUNITY
Belgian Open 2024
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By JAVIER REGALADO
There were 365 players representing 24 countries converging in Brussels at the end of July for the second Belgian Pickleball Open . According to Pickleball Belgium President Kassandra Bourgeois , “ All the preparation , including setting up 21 courts , was made possible through our amazing team of sponsors and volunteers . We are grateful to everyone who contributed to make this such a joyful , high-level competition for Europe . We
T were delighted to add 100 players this year alone , and invite everyone to join us next year !” •
Belgian Open 2024 sets new attendance record .
The Pickleball World Rankings ( PWR ) World Tour Launches in Dubai
By JAVIER REGALADO
The iconic Burj Khalifa in the United Arab Emirates , the world ’ s tallest building , served as a striking backdrop for the media launch of the most significant professional tour in pickleball history . The Pickleball World Rankings ( PWR ) World Tour will distribute an unprecedented $ 15 million in prize money across 500 global and regional competitions held on six continents .
Adding to the excitement , tennis legend Andre Agassi appeared via video to announce that he will personally attend the PWR DUPR Indian Tour and League stop in India .
“ This is the highest prize money ever offered in the history of the sport ,” said PWR CEO and founder Pranav Kohli . “ We are thrilled to elevate pickleball to new heights , in partnership with India ’ s largest media conglomerate , The Times Group , through the Pickleball World Series , the PWR World Tour , and Pickleball World Rankings .”
The first PWR World Tour event is scheduled to take place in the Gulf Cooperation Council region in January 2025 . Additional World Tour stops announced at the launch event include the United States , Canada , South America , Australia and Europe . •
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