THE BAINBRIDGE CUP AN EVENT LIKE NO OTHER
Two continents , one cup , two teams , one victor … The Bainbridge Cup . History will be made on September 15 , 2017 , when the world ’ s first Intercontinental Pickleball Team Competition takes place in Madrid , Spain . The Bainbridge Cup , named after Bainbridge Island to honor the birthplace and founders of pickleball , is the inaugural event of the International Federation of Pickleball ( IFP ), the sport ’ s worldwide governing body .
Team Europe and Team North America will face off for the first time ever in this historic event , which will feature players from more than 15 countries , from elite to amateur level . The event provides a global stage for pickleball in a new international format . “ One of our main objectives at the IFP is to organize world-class events to showcase the sport ,” says Mike Hess , President of the IFP . “ We ’ re very excited about the response we ’ ve had to participate in the Cup . There are already over 100 players signed up on each team and the numbers are expected to climb as the goodnatured rivalry continues to build . There ’ s a lot of pride at stake in this event .”
Alice Tym , a former professional tennis player who once represented the U . S . in team competition , adds , “ There is nothing like being on a national or continental team ! It is just the beginning of a wonderful rivalry , which will promote the sport of pickleball .” She will serve as one of three team captains for Team North America . “ The camaraderie and sportsmanship bring out the very best in a sport and its participants .”
A Team Event Open to All The players shown in the team photos represent just a few of the hundreds of players already signed up for the
Bainbridge Cup event . “ Players of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate in the competition ,” notes Ian Medhurst , one of three team captains for Team Europe . “ It ’ s a unique opportunity to play on the same team with some of the best players in the world .”
The Bainbridge Cup Format Every match is worth one point , so a win at the 3.0 level is worth the same as a win at the 5.0 level . The team accumulating the most points by the end of the day wins the Cup . “ The format is consistent with the philosophy of pickleball , to include all levels of play ,” explains Leonardo González , another one of Team Europe ’ s captains . “ Matches will include men ’ s , women ’ s and mixed doubles , with each player guaranteed a minimum of four matches in pools of similar aged and skilled players .” Competition will follow Official IFP Rules .
Three Full Days of Competition
Following the Bainbridge Cup will be the Spanish Open Pickleball Championships , to be held September 16 and 17 at the same world-class outdoor venue . The Spanish Open will be hosted by the Spanish Pickleball Association in collaboration with the IFP , allowing players the opportunity to participate in three consecutive days of competition . In addition , pickleball clinics will be held on Sept . 13 and 14 by a number of pickleball pros .
Registration for the Bainbridge Cup and Spanish Open is open at PickleballTournaments . com . For more information visit the IFP at ifpickleball . org or the Spanish Pickleball Association at pickleballspain . org . • Photos by Keith and Sharon Bing
JULY / AUGUST 2017 | MAGAZINE 63