Congratulations to the winners of this weekend’s Baillie Gifford East of Scotland Padel Open at the Thistle Tennis & Padel Club.
Ross, Phil, David and Sammy finally shake hands
Men’s doubles top seeds Philip Blythe and Ross Murdoch advanced to the final without losing a set. However, the unseeded duo of David Holmes and Sammy McKinney, who surprised second-seeded Picken brothers Gavin and Mark in the semifinals, put up a tough fight and fell behind 7-5, 7-6.
eduardo in the consolation game
Alonso Fernandez and
Antonio Fernandez-LeBreze Martin
Defeated Joseph Gill and Sean Smith in straight sets.
Left to Right – Mhairi Wrench and Wendy McKenzie – EOS Padel Champions
Meanwhile, in the women’s championship, second seeds Wendy McKenzie and Mhairi Wrench beat top-ranked Karen 10-4 in a third-set winner’s tie-break. • Karen Crawford and Michelle Crease claimed the LTA Division 3 Women’s Championship in dramatic fashion.
Anne-Marie Birch and Anita Houston finished third after two wins, while in tournament play Mary Diaz and Daphne Daphne Ruben takes fourth in epic three-set victory over Elaine Easton and Christine Hobden 10-7 in title tie-break name.
Game4Padel’s Director of Growth and Engagement was in Edinburgh over the weekend to watch the competition live and was impressed with the men’s and women’s LTA Level 3 performances.
With the East of Scotland Open being the first tennis tournament in Scotland to incorporate open cricket within its framework, Vincent has no doubts that this weekend provides the perfect example of how paddle tennis and tennis can work together.
He said: “The final of the Bally Gifford East Scottish Padel Open is a great example of how padel and tennis work together in Scotland and this weekend was a very positive step.
Left to Right – Sammy (RU), David (RU), Vincent, Ross (W), Phil (W)
“All four players in the (men’s) final played at the highest level in the East of Scotland (tennis) league and were also regular tennis players, so the level was very high – just like the women’s game. But what impressed me the most was , most players are now able to ‘shut down’ their tennis brains to use more effective cricket tactics.
“Overall, this tournament is a major move towards opening up cricket to new communities and that’s exactly what we’re looking for in partnership with East Scotland Tennis Association.”
Looking back on it all, Mark Gaffney, vice-president of the East of Scotland Tennis Association, believes the inaugural East of Scotland Padel Open heralds an exciting new era for padel and tennis.
Mark said: “Partnering with Game4Padel is a very positive step for us, they bring their expertise and it is really exciting to be able to host this event at the Thistle Club at the Game4Padel facility and we are delighted to be able to take advantage of this Two advantages and through this continue to develop our relationship with Game4Padel.
“As a board we have always been determined to innovate and bring something new to the East of Scotland Championships and we are very keen that now that padel has come under the management of the LTA we are able to offer the same opportunity to compete in the East of Scotland Championships. Padel athletes and tennis Athletes do.
“It’s really exciting for us to be the first in Scotland to include an open cricket tournament in a three-tier tennis tournament.”
Mark was also impressed with the quality of play at both events, saying: “The standard of play was high with some very familiar names in tennis who turned their hands to padel very successfully, congratulations to Ross Murdoch and Philippe • Bryce’s victory was also thanks to David Holmes and Sammy McKinney who pushed them all the way in an excellent finale.
“Thanks also to Wendy McKenzie and Mhairi Wrench for their victories in the women’s event, and their wins against Karen Crawford and Michelle Crawford. Michelle Crease’s match came to a brilliant end in the form of a championship tie-break.
“But having 13 pairs in both the men’s and women’s events is really positive and we hope to increase that number again next year.”
A cricket fan himself, Mark has no doubts that the game will not only survive, but continue to grow in Scotland, adding: “I know many sports that claim to be the fastest growing sport in the UK. , but the padel really is the real deal in that respect and a big thank you to everyone who participated and made the first Bailey Gifford East of Scotland Open Padel Championships such a success.
“I also love to play cricket, and if we add a fourth year game next year, I’ll probably play it myself!”
