Padel Lab and Jessica’s welcoming the best of Johannesburg at Ruimsig Country Club
The first cash tournament held at the venue brought proven squash and tennis players to promote the synergy of the padel craze.
Rewarding competition makes masterfully earned points just that little sweeter.
The growing padel craze received an incentivised boost at Ruimsig Country Club on July 29. Padel Lab Ruimsig and Jessica’s Restaurant hosted the venue’s first cash tournament, enticing the participation of the best players from across the city. Padel Lab runs three other venues, Rivonia, Elardus Park and Clubview, with the event creating the opportunity for the Padel Lab family to experience the charms of their westernmost home.
Padel is rapidly growing in popularity thanks to its lightning pace and social environment that combines the best of tennis and squash. Played only in doubles pairings, the 10 teams on the day played a series of round-robin group matches before the best eight slapped it around in a knockout bracket. Smashing their way through the gauntlet, the pair of Christo Potgieter and Chadley Brown contested the final against Gerhardt Becker and Christiaan Worst.
After a long day’s play, the final would be a three-set test of endurance. Both pairs threw everything at each other and when the volleys and smashes had all been exhausted, Christo and Chadley stood as champions. The winners illustrated the skill on display, with Potgieter being a professional squash player and Brown holding an official rank through Tennis South Africa.
“Padel Lab Ruimsig is thrilled with the spectacular turnout for our first monthly tournament, which was held in partnership with Jessica’s Restaurant at Ruimsig Country Club. We had some incredible top-ranking players join to contest the cash prize and the padel we watched was on the next level. We are looking forward to hosting many more monthly cash tournaments at Padel Lab Ruimsig, as well as at some of our other venues,” said Padel Lab operations manager Paul Havemann.
• Also read: Tennis clinic in Ruimsig helps keep kids fit during school holidays
Padel is driven by private interests in South Africa, so while still in its infancy in terms of formal structure, innovative ways are being used to bring players together. Games at Padel Lab Ruimsig, as well as the other Padel Lab venues, can be done through the Playtomic App which also allows players to track their performances.
“Make a day of your padel game with friends and enjoy a delicious meal or drink at Jessica’s afterward. It’s great fun at a superb venue for some social exercise,” added Havemann.
To help beginners ease into the sport, Padel Lab offers racket rentals, and once comfortable will be welcomed into the competitive arena. Padel Lab is active on all popular social media platforms and can look out for future tournaments by following @padellabsa on Facebook or Instagram.
