POLOKWANE – Padel is surely the new game in town judging by the popularity of tournaments hosted in the city.

SRE Sports last weekend hosted a tournament in conjunction with Bendor Padel, with categories for juniors, ladies, men and a mixed category, with prizes to the value of more than R50 000.

The two courts at Bendor Padel were in immaculate condition, offering 54 teams who played a combined 138 matches over the span of 21 hours a weekend of pure Padel pleasure.

The men’s division was won by team Fence Baby, with Sarel van Rooyen and HP Luus making some impressive shots to take home the R20 000 prize money. Waseem Omar and Rameez Omar from Team Smashburgers were the runners-up in this division.

In the women’s section Team Obvious Advantage’s Zeenat Tayob and Aaisha Essa took top honours, with Team Smashing Sisters’ Liezel Pretorius and Alicia Bezuidenhout in second spot.

The mixed division was won by Padel partners LJ Fick and Alicia Bezuidenhout from Kiss Our Aces, with mom and son team Kick Smash with Daleen and HP Luus as runners-up.

In the junior division, Team Anvers with Hamza and Muhammad Anver took home the coveted title, with Nathan Faver and Ryan O’Reilly finishing the finals as runners-up.

Several lucky draws were also held on the day for participating players, while sponsors had the opportunity to exhibit their merchandise.

Tournament director Ernest Faver from SRE Sports said the turnout was impressive and that good preparation and an energetic group of Padel players made the tournament one to remember.

“We want to express our sincere thanks to Bendor Padel for playing host to such an awesome tournament. We’re looking forward to many of its kind, and we invite all aspiring players to come and try their hand at Padel. It really is a lot of fun and an awesome way for families to spend time together.”

He also thanked the players for some great sportsmanship and for participating in the tournament.