1st Suzhou Int'l Pickleball Open brings global players together

The inaugural Suzhou International Pickleball Open was held late Saturday. Hosted by Suzhou International Cultural Exchange Center and organized by CPL Pickleball Club, it attracted over 70 players from China, the U.S., the U.K., Germany, and South Africa, among other countries.

The tournament featured five events: singles and doubles for both men and women and mixed doubles, with eight slots in each. On court, players stayed focused on the ball, their every swing and step revealing their passion for the sport. In the mixed doubles match, Retallick from the U.K. teamed up with Ms. Wu from Shanghai. Their chemistry and strong performance earned rounds of applause from the crowd.

Off court, people from different countries and backgrounds exchanged tips and experiences out of curiosity about the sport or just being awed by high-level plays. Evans from the U.S. said with a smile, "Pickleball is amazing. The rules are simple, it's easy to learn, and it's a perfect way to make new friends."

Michael , who comes from South Africa, shared, "This isn't just a game. It's a cultural experience I'll never forget. I met new friends and felt the passion of Suzhou. Thank you Suzhou International Cultural Exchange Center for giving us this opportunity."

Source: Suzhou International Cultural Exchange Center