The Singles King!

As readers of the blog know, our family has gotten really into pickleball lately! I'm not as gung-ho as Iver is, but have fun playing recreational doubles (a couple of times a week, max).

Kelvin and Iver also like to play singles, which requires different tactics and a lot more running. They were delighted when Junny, player who spends some of the year locally but who they hadn't met until this summer, organized a men's single tournament on Friday. "Disappointed in your partner  (from last weekend) ... try singles!" read the flyer. :)

Based on knowledge of people's levels, Junny created a 16-player bracket. There were some last-minute adjustments as people dropped out; however, Kelvin and Iver were seeded eighth and tenth, respectively (which was under-seeding if you ask us!) and were very hyped up to compete.

Niall and I, along with some other local pickleballers, came to watch the double-elimination competition.

There were some really tight matches (Kelvin even came from 4-10 down to win 12-10!) and it was a double-elimination including a winners' and a loser's bracket-- so Kelvin had to beat the eventual second-place winner twice to take the tournament. Iver had a strong showing, eventually placing sixth or something based on his record, but didn't advance to the top-four part of the bracket. 

Kelvin (wearing his "You Just Got Served" t-shirt) represented "former tennis players" in the final, while his opponent, Pete, is an excellent pure pickleballer, without any prior tennis experience. Kelvin actually went undefeated to take home the first "trophy"-- a card signed by the participants. Players signed the right as they were elimination, and Kelvin got to place his name on the left-hand side after the conclusion of the final match :) .

We seem to have a slight pickleball problem (addiction to competition) in this family ...but it really is a fun game to play!