Karen Crawford teamed up with American partner Daniela Bellini for the first time last weekend and the pair shot to victory in the LTA Padel British Tour at West of Scotland Padel.
The previous weekend, Scot Karen won the UK Young Persons’ Pickleball Championships in Milton Keynes. Seven days on, she swapped paddle for padel and lifted another trophy!
Karen’s win made it a double British success at the LTA Grade 1 event as Louie Harris (fresh from his adventure at the Pro Padel League in Miami) took the men’s title alongside Spanish partner Rafael Vega Otaolaurruchi.
The competition in Scotland was the second of six LTA Grade 1 events to take place across England, Scotland, and the Channel Islands as part of the British Tour, which encompasses the top padel competitions in the UK. Grade 1 events see the very best British players and international competitors competing in standout events, across full weekends, for prize money. Acceptance onto British Tour events is based on players’ LTA Padel Ranking.
Karen and Daniela impressively overcame the top seeds Ashley Mears and Mhairi Wrench in the final 6-4, 6-2 rounding off a memorable competition in which they didn’t drop a set.
Reflecting on the win, Karen said: “It was a fabulous day of challenging matches as we’d never played a Grade 1 before and didn’t know what to expect with the standard. Daniela had never played a competitive padel tournament before and we only met this morning, but we hit it off straight away!
“We were a bit cautious in our first game but soon hit our stride as our styles worked really well together. We’ve never been to West of Scotland Padel before, it’s a great club that’s excellently organised and was lovely to see faces that we’ve only met socially before.”
In the men’s draw of 16, the final saw the second seeds Louie and Rafa defeat the British fourth seeds, Nicholas Hatchett and Sam Macneil in an exciting match that finished 6-3, 6-3.
After winning his first LTA Grade 1 event of 2024, Harris said: “I had a fantastic time playing in Scotland alongside Rafa, winning my first tournament of the year competing against some great players. Thank you to West of Scotland Padel and the LTA for putting on such a great event. I look forward to returning soon.”
Maureen Baird, Tournament Organiser and Director, said: “What a fantastic weekend of unbelievable padel from incredibly talented players from all over the country (and beyond). We are so proud to have hosted this LTA event at the highest of levels in our club in Stevenston. Having so many people come along and support these fabulous players gave the club a real buzz and you could see the players really appreciated the support. A huge well done to all the players, runners up and winners. We look forward to you gracing our courts again.”
Men’s competition results: click here
Women’s competition results: click here
