British pairs won three of the six titles as Smash Padel Cardiff welcomed 128 junior players from seven countries last weekend for the largest FIP Promises tournament ever held in the UK.
The event brought together boys and girls competing across Under-12, U14, U16 and U18 categories, with players travelling from Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and across Great Britain to compete on the international stage.
GB U18 boys’ no.1 Ben Phillips won back-to-back FIP Promises titles, teaming up with Cochise Bennett to win 6-4, 6-4 in the final against fellow Brit Oliver Grantham and Rune Keppens of Belgium.
Elizabeth Vellacott and Rosie Allen took home the U16 girls’ trophy following a 6-3, 6-4 triumph in the final against GB’s Lucy Bertam and Anna Leder of Germany.
Elizabeth and Rosie were also victorious in the U14 girls’ event, defeating fellow Brits Morgan May and Lara Mohamed 6-0, 6-1.
Across three days of competition, the club was packed with players, coaches, parents and spectators, creating an electric atmosphere.
The standard of padel on display was exceptional, with some of Europe’s most promising young players showcasing the quality and depth of talent emerging within the sport.
Influential sporting figures…
The tournament attracted several influential figures from across Welsh and British sport. Newly appointed Welsh Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, Heledd Fychan MS, attended the event alongside Simon Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Tennis Wales, while Libby Fletcher, National Performance Pathway Manager at the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), spent time meeting with parents and discussing the future development of junior padel pathways in Britain.
A significant milestone for hosts Smash Padel was the strong representation from its own junior programme, with Smash players accounting for almost 50% of tournament entries.
Libby Fletcher, LTA National Performance Pathway Manager and GB Team Captain, added: “It was fantastic to see so many young players competing at such a high level and to witness the enthusiasm from families, coaches and supporters throughout the weekend.
“Events like this provide invaluable opportunities for young athletes to gain international competitive experience and continue their development within the sport.
“The quality of play on display in Cardiff, combined with the scale of participation, demonstrates the exciting progress being made within junior padel and highlights the important role clubs like Smash are playing in creating opportunities for the next generation.”
Full results from FIP Promises Smash Padel Cardiff
Images from FIP Promises Smash Padel Cardiff
